While Land Legend’s unexpected victory was the standout takeaway from The Might And Power for Ciaron Maher, it wasn’t the sole benefit derived from the Caulfield race.
The defeat of Sheza Alibi in the 2000-metre Group 1 event provided the in-form trainer with confidence that the highly-touted mare can be challenged in the upcoming Golden Eagle.
Maher is set to contest this Saturday’s $10 million Group 1 race at Randwick with his Northern Hemisphere three-year-old, Amazing Journey.
The outcome of The Might And Power has ignited hopes that Maher might secure his inaugural win in the race, now in its eighth year of competition.
“It certainly probably wasn’t ideal for Sheza Alibi having a tough run like that at the 10 furlongs,” Maher commented. “But good horses have a way of defying. They’re just good, so I’m sure she’ll still be very, very hard to beat.”
Maher expressed his satisfaction with the progress of Amazing Journey, who will compete under the banner of the Maher stable’s microshare venture, Unbridled Racing. Shares in the gelding are still available for $349 in the week leading up to the race.
The Starspangledbanner colt arrived in Australia having won five of his eleven starts, including consecutive victories over 1207m and 1408m at Ascot in his final two appearances before relocating south.
He participated in two trials in preparation for his Australian debut. He finished at the rear of the field in a 1000m workout at Randwick on October 6, followed by an encouraging narrow second place to King Of Roseau over 1030m at Rosehill thirteen days later.
“He took a bit of time as you can see through his form, but he came over very fit and he’s had the two trials,” Maher stated. “His first one he was a little bit fresh and then he was beautiful the other day. The times were good and his recovery was good. I think he’s a very talented horse.”
Amazing Journey offers English racing sensation Saffie Osborne a chance at another significant victory. The 24-year-old jockey will fly in to partner Amazing Journey in the Golden Eagle.
Osborne has guided Amazing Journey in eight of his eleven races, a factor Maher views as advantageous for his first Australian start.
“She’s got a good record on him and we’re happy to put her on,” he said.
Osborne is aiming to be the first female jockey to claim the Golden Eagle, but she is no stranger to breaking ground, having previously become the first female jockey to win a UK Classic aboard Highwayman in the English St Leger earlier this year.
Amazing Journey is currently priced at $15 in Golden Eagle betting, with the $1.80 favourite, Sheza Alibi, continuing to dominate the market.
For those interested in the action, explore Australian betting sites for the latest odds.