"She is probably the BEST maiden in Australia!" | Ciaron Maher | Stable Scoop

Overview

The video features Ciaron Maher and stable staff discussing preparations and prospects for upcoming Australian race meetings, with particular focus on several horses and how they’re expected to perform.

Key Horses and Expectations

Jimmy Star

• Seen working with major gallops ahead of Sunday’s race.
• Connections believe he can return to his best form after using blinders:
  • during the previous test, and again this morning
• The blinders are expected to help “flip the final switch.”
• Race plan includes a distance drop from 1400m to 1200m:
  • not to set records, but to keep him fresh and well-contained
• Earlier work is described as very fast, including:
  • prior success/fast work at Caulfield
  • fast work linked to the Oakley Plate

Caulfield Cup Targets

Royal Supremacy

• Described as big and strong, improving slightly with each preparation.
• Has had good winter work and fitness has been maintained.
• History:
  • third at Caulfield two seasons ago
  • later fifth in the Caulfield Cup
• Maher highlights he’s aggressive, improving, physically maturing, and is now demanding less effort from himself.

Other referenced runners and plans

• Zahara and Saint George: discussed as impressive from recent work/races.
• Kings Valley: improving, but may need further work; options are being considered for qualification/placement.
• Keita Sushi: aiming for the two-mile mark.

Expected campaign path

• Zahara and Saint George:
  • likely go to Turnbull
  • then target the Caulfield Cup two weeks later
• Kings Valley could follow a similar approach.

Track Conditions and Racing Outlook

• Rider feedback suggests the training track was fine with some flex.
• Saturday included “drama,” including rail movement, but connections believe the race should be fair if they can see similar progress again.
• Maher references being at events “afar,” then emphasizes the importance of the track behaving well.

Other Horses and Specific Race Hopes

Jenny

• Maher says she woke up in Cranbourne, is improving, and is in good condition/weight after a successful winter.
• At age 9, she’s still full of character, and the stable is encouraged—aiming for racing on Saturday.

Competition against Jenny

• Stable options mentioned include:
  • Light Infantry
  • Brightside
• Maher notes the stable’s optimism.

Will

• Described as an old favorite returning to strong form after bad luck in the All-Star Mile.
• Maher says Will looked energetic late in a straight and finished strongly, recovering from earlier issues.
• Discussion includes:
  • whether to move up to 10 furlongs
  • concerns about performance on wet tracks

Lady Catherine

• Had a good first run previously, followed by a solid effort elsewhere.
• Returning to 1200m is framed as ideal.

Ghana’s a Can

• Described as possibly the best “unwinnable” filly in Australia:
  • strong accomplishments, but still without a win
• Maher notes improved condition and points to Scarborough as an ideal race.

Over the Bridge

• A progressive mare listed among the stable’s runners.

Unbridled Racing / new business horse

• A talented two-year-old / rising prospect described as exciting.
• Potential opportunities include Scarborough or Jim Moloney.

Ice Lady / Saintly Dancer

• Ice Lady could target a guinea-style race.
• Saintly Dancer’s decision depends on her fitness/intent:
  • described as magical and small
  • with the option to rest her

The Autumn Sun

• A recent trial winner.
• Maher says the colt wasn’t ready to return to racing yet.
• Kept condition during travel and improved with time.
• There’s mention of potentially visiting Flemington on Thursday to inspect/prepare for the straight.

Care Plan / Coolmore Goal

• Maher explains the horse was taken to Queensland to lighten him for spring.
• Extra time around trials/tests helped build him up.
• Improved training sessions are leading into the next stage, supporting the Coolmore goal.