Ciaron Maher is excited about his strongest-ever Australian Cup hand, but the stable is remaining cautious ahead of this Saturday’s $2.5 million Group 1 at Flemington.
Pride Of Jenni, Middle Earth, and Light Infantry Man occupy the top three spots in betting for the 2000-metre race, which received 14 nominations on Monday.
Maher, who has never won the Australian Cup, has come close with second-place finishes from Pride Of Jenni last year and Jameka in 2017. Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull is optimistic, noting that the horses are still building into their campaigns.
“It’s nice to have those horses there because it’s not their grand finals either,” Turnbull said. “It would be fantastic for our stable if they were able to win and then move on to Sydney.”
Pride Of Jenni is the favourite following her dominant win in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m). She’s had a lighter preparation this year compared to last, and Turnbull is confident it will pay off.
Middle Earth, a European import, won the Australian Cup Prelude and is expected to handle more than 2000m. Turnbull is excited about his chances, stating, “He’s got decent form in Europe and could do anything.”
Light Infantry Man, who placed third in the All-Star Mile, is another import that’s showing significant improvement, and Turnbull is eager to see him perform over 2000m.