Maharba eyes Group 1 success as autumn campaign begins

Ultra-consistent sprinter Maharba is set to kick off his autumn campaign, with trainer Grahame Begg hoping the season will culminate in a Group 1 victory.

Maharba has already made two appearances at the top level, finishing midfield as a two-year-old in Sydney and more recently securing second place in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) in Perth.

After a trial at Cranbourne on Monday, Begg has confirmed that the gelding’s first race of the campaign will be the Group 3 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday, where Maharba is one of 18 nominations.

While the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on February 22 is a potential target, Begg is leaning towards waiting for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8, which is his preferred option for Maharba’s next outing.

Maharba will round out his Victorian campaign with the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 22, before Begg assesses the possibility of taking the horse interstate.

Begg was pleased with Maharba’s performance in Monday’s trial, where he finished third behind Rey Magnerio. “He had a soft time as he’s heading to the Rubiton Stakes on Saturday, and then we’ll make a decision on whether we go to the Oakleigh Plate or just wait for the Newmarket,” Begg explained. “I’m leaning to waiting for the Newmarket. He does go very well up the straight, and the horse does like having a bit of gap between runs, plus second-up they may be a bit sharp for him in the Oakleigh Plate.”

Begg also mentioned the possibility of the Quokka in Perth, although he was cautious about asking too much of the sprinter by sending him across to Perth twice in a single preparation. “We’ve had a few nibbles there (the Quokka), but I think it would be pretty hard on the horse going over twice to Perth in virtually one preparation, but the horse is going well, and I’m sure there’s a good race in him this preparation.”

Stablemate Magic Time, who won an earlier trial on Monday, will head to Sydney for her autumn campaign. Begg believes Magic Time is in great form, looking as good as she ever has after two jump-outs, and is set for a fantastic preparation.

Magic Time’s campaign will begin with the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 15. “She really appreciated the rain we got overnight,” Begg said. “The ground was quite rain-affected, and she was quite comfortable in that. She went through her gears nicely, and that will fit her up nicely for her trip to Sydney. She’ll be up there at the end of the week to run in the Expressway Stakes. She really appreciates ground with a bit of give in it, and she’s more likely to get that up in Sydney.”

Magic Time’s campaign will continue with the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m), with Begg considering options for her after that, including the George Ryder Stakes or staying in mares’ races.

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