Magic Millions winner Unit Five readies for a strong campaign

Ciaron Maher's highly-rated three-year-old, Unit Five, is set to make his return to the racetrack this Saturday at Sandown.

Following a troubled tenth in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) in February, the 2026 Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) winner has enjoyed a solid break and completed two impressive trials, positioning him well for a significant spring campaign.

The primary objective for the colt is a start in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over the same distance, which takes place on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

"We'll give him the opportunity," said Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Maher.

"He had three months out to prepare for this time of the year and I think that time has done him the world of good.

"He's strengthened but he hasn't grown tall. He is a bit bigger but he's a magnificent looking animal and he looks fast and athletic.

Unit Five is nominated for the 1000m three-year-old handicap, having participated in two trials at Cranbourne.

"I was stoked with his trials," Turnbull added.

"He had one on the grass and one on the poly. We kept him on the bit on the poly being an artificial surface, but he is very sharp and he looks good and he's in a good place.

The Sandown run will serve as a lead-up to the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on September 12, as noted by Turnbull.

"He just a racehorse and we saw that when he won on debut at Caulfield Heath," Turnbull recalled, referencing the colt's debut victory on December 20.

"He's one of our top tier three-year-olds and it is good to have him back."

The colt, purchased for $80,000 at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, has already proven a shrewd acquisition for Ciaron Maher Bloodstock, amassing nearly $1.9 million in prizemoney.

Punters can explore the betting markets for the race at leading online bookmakers.