Ciaron Maher is satisfied with how Another Wil is tracking as he heads to the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
The gelding finished runner-up to Kimochi in the race last year and returns with 59kg topweight. The Group 1 has shifted back to its traditional September slot after being run in November in recent seasons.
Another Wil resumed with a sixth placing in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) but Maher admitted he was “a little further away” in fitness than expected. A strong hit-out with Jamie Kah on Tuesday gave the trainer more confidence.
“His last two pieces of work have been very good,” Maher said. “She gave a positive report and said ‘that was more like it’.”
Maher, who guided Another Wil to victory in the C F Orr Stakes in February, acknowledged the challenge posed by rivals such as Angel Capital, who will carry just 53.5kg.
“It will be a good race, but he’ll improve, which he needs to,” Maher said.