The number of runners Ciaron Maher will saddle in Saturday’s $200,000 H D F McNeil Stakes is yet to be finalised, but one colt confirmed to start is Seraphox.

The Harry Angel colt is scheduled to commence a campaign aimed at the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, with the 1200-metre Group 3 at Caulfield serving as his initial test.

Maher’s stablemate Unit Five, withdrawn from Sandown last Saturday, is a probable competitor. Additionally, Maher has entered Tornado Valley and Milsons Point, who raced over 1400m at Sandown last Saturday, though their participation is not yet confirmed.

Jack Turnbull, Maher’s assistant trainer, affirmed Seraphox’s presence, highlighting the McNeil Stakes as an ideal starting point for his pursuit of the 1600m Caulfield Guineas on October 10.

“We see him as a 1400-metre horse, miler and he’s on a Guineas path,” Turnbull said.

“He’s forward and ready to run a bit of a race, but I’d say he’ll be midfield and running on.”

“He’ll be competitive but he’s probably not going to be as sharp as some of the others in that race.”

Alongside his fellow Maher trainees, Seraphox faces potential opposition from New Zealand Group 1 winner Seize The Day, the promising colt American Eagle, Todman Stakes third placegetter Wolf Gap, Sydney colt Confederation, and Anzac Day Stakes victor Blind Raise.

Seraphox secured third place in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes, marking his debut run in Victoria following a maiden win at Warwick Farm. This was preceded by a seventh-place finish on debut in the Group 2 Todman Stakes, indicating the high regard in which Maher’s stable has consistently held Seraphox.

Turnbull identified Seraphox and Tornado Valley as the stable’s leading contenders for the Guineas leading into the spring season. Magic Millions winner Unit Five is slated for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on Derby Day.

While the son of Supido will encounter a more formidable field at Caulfield compared to the 59.5kg he would have carried on Saturday’s Heavy track over 1000m, Turnbull noted that several elements contributed to making the Caulfield option more attractive.

“How the track was, the way it’s been playing, the weight and having the option of the McNeil,” Turnbull stated as reasons for the change of plans.

“He had a fair while off after that Magics prep and he’s come back really well, so we’re looking forward to getting back to the races.”

Punters looking to get involved with the H D F McNeil Stakes can find the best racing odds at Australian betting sites.