Holymanz has made the Coastal Classic his own, refusing to let rivals get near the prized surfboard trophy.

The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding has won both runnings of the 1700-metre feature, the headline race on Geelong’s summer showcase meeting.

Now six, the Cambridge Stud-owned galloper returns in Saturday’s 2026 edition aiming to extend his unbeaten record in the race.

In a worrying sign for competitors, Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull believes Holymanz is thriving more than ever.

Last year’s success under 60 kilograms was his first win since the inaugural Coastal Classic, but he comes in this time off a dead-heat victory with Precious Charm in the Werribee Cup on December 7.

“The horse is extremely well,” Turnbull said.

“He’s probably arguably in better form, he’s got to carry the weight, but I wouldn’t say it’s as strong as a race as he found last year.

“Hopefully we can package up and send back to New Zealand a third surfboard.

“Once we picked up the second ‘board, we were always keen to come back for the third.”

Holymanz rises half-a-kilo for last year’s win and heads betting from former stablemate St Lawrence and Opening Address.

With $110,000 to the winner and $36,000 for second, even a minor placing would secure the $26,718 needed to push Holymanz past $1 million in career prizemoney.

“He’s that Group Three, Group Two fringe horse and he’s just been an amazing galloper to have,” Turnbull said.

“He’s incredibly sound, he’s a pleasure to deal with and you wish you could have a few more of them.

“A million in stakemoney is very hard to do, even in this day and age, so he’s been good to Cambridge.”

Michael Dee reunites with Holymanz, jumping from barrier six in the 10-horse field.