Ciaron Maher already has a single entrant confirmed for this Saturday’s Listed VRC St Leger, yet the leading trainer of long-distance horses is eager to secure far more participants in the Flemington highlight.
Awesome Artist, Noble Falcon, and Intervened are listed alongside Tasmanian Derby victor Dad And Dave in the 28 nominations for the $200,000 contest at 2800 metres.
Awesome Artist appears set to gain entry into the race limited to 18 runners plus four emergencies, while Noble Falcon and Intervened sit beyond the current threshold, and Maher’s assistant Jack Turnbull wants them to edge into the ideal opportunity.
“We feel for those three it’s a good option and all horses are going to relish the trip,” Turnbull said.
“They’re all going to furnish and they’re going to learn with racing.
“They’re just raw young horses that are bred to stay and they’ll continue to learn and mature as they get older.”
Maher seeks a second success in Victoria’s classic Anzac Day showdown, after taking the 2021 version with Through Irish Eyes during his partnership with David Eustace.
Dad And Dave has placed towards the rear in his latest two outings, the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) and Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m), but holds a guaranteed spot in the St Leger field due to prior Listed triumphs in the Launceston Guineas (2000m) and Tasmanian Derby (2400m).
Awesome Artist was beaten by 2-3/4 lengths by Dad And Dave in the Galilee Final, coming after a win at 2000m in Canberra, and Turnbull noted that a pace with genuine tempo would offer his strongest shot at success.
“They might have just went a fraction sedate throughout,” Turnbull said of the Galilee Final.
“He’s one-paced and needs a true gallop.”
Proisir gelding Noble Falcon most recently came home fourth to stable companion Ardashir in a 2550m Pakenham maiden, following his only prior placing from four outings the previous run over 2540m at Cranbourne.
Intervened, a son of Kermadec, remains unplaced after three attempts and has recorded sixth placings in both starts this preparation, at 1600m and 2000m at Pakenham.
Additional nominees for the VRC St Leger feature Dom Sutton-trained fillies After Summer and Classic Gem, who were third and fourth respectively in the Group 1 ATC Oaks last time out, plus Arabian Prince and ATC Derby placegetters Deal Done Fast and Savisanta.
Explore the Australian betting sites for top racing odds on the VRC St Leger this weekend.
