Another Wil is back at Randwick for another shot at the Doncaster Mile, with trainer Ciaron Maher confident the horse is in top form despite a challenging wide barrier draw.

Last year, Another Wil won his first three starts by over 11 lengths, then claimed the Doncaster Prelude (1500m) before backing up in the Doncaster Mile. Maher admitted the quick turnaround may have been too much for the horse.

“Last year just came a little bit early for him,” Maher said. “He had to back-up, had a wide gate, and probably overdid it a fraction.”

After a brilliant first-up win in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, Another Wil finished fourth in the All-Star Mile (1600m), but heads into Saturday’s Doncaster Mile (1600m) with a month’s break and a jump-out to keep him fit.

“He was very good fresh, and I’d expect him to be very good again,” Maher said.

Although drawn in barrier 18, Another Wil is a $9 chance to win, while stablemate Gringotts, at $7 and drawn in barrier 6, is the most fancied of the three Maher runners.

Gringotts impressed with a gutsy win in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m), and Maher is optimistic about his chances, noting the race has been a long-term target for the horse.

“Dropping to a nice weight (55.5kg), the mile is right in his wheelhouse,” Maher said.

New Energy, at $81, completes Maher’s Doncaster team and is capable of a strong finish if the conditions suit. “He could hit the line pretty hard,” Maher said.