Trainer Declan Maher concedes the wide gate is far from ideal, but he believes Tajawal is well placed to give his Queensland stable an important win at Ipswich on Wednesday.

Maher, brother of leading trainer Ciaron, relocated from Ballarat to the Gold Coast earlier this year after previously managing his brother’s Victorian base while training a small team of his own.

Since the move in June, winners have been scarce — two from 30 starters — but Maher is upbeat that Tajawal can improve that record in a Class 2.

“He ran really well first up, and the second up he probably had a bit of second up syndrome, maybe came back to the races a week too soon,” Maher said.

“He’s bounced through that run well and the step up in trip seems right up his alley.”

Previously trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, Tajawal has won in both Australia and England and finished second in the Orange Gold Cup (2100m) behind subsequent Group 2 Brisbane Cup (3200m) winner Campaldino.

With Ryan Maloney booked and Tajawal opening a $2.50 favourite, Maher remains wary of barrier 12.

“It’s just that he’s drawn twelve of twelve tomorrow, that’s the only sticky thing,” Maher noted.

“It’s going to be hard to scratch him.”

Now settling into his Gold Coast operation, Maher says the support of key owners has been crucial.

“I’ve got 14 in the barn now. It’s slow steps, but we’re starting to get a handle on things and it’s progressing nicely,” Maher said.

“Nathan Bennett and Phil Wells from Bennett Racing have been good supporters of me, Cam Bennett from Flying Start (Syndications), I’ve got a couple with him as well.

“If you can get support from guys like those with big numbers of horses it’s always good.”