While Land Legend’s unexpected victory was the primary outcome for Ciaron Maher from The Might And Power, it was not the only positive element to emerge from the Caulfield event.
The defeat of Sheza Alibi in the 2000-metre Group 1 contest has provided the in-form trainer with the assurance that the highly-rated mare is indeed vulnerable in the upcoming Golden Eagle.
Maher is preparing his Northern Hemisphere three-year-old, Amazing Journey, for this Saturday’s significant $10 million Group 1 race at Randwick.
The result in The Might And Power has sparked renewed hope that Maher might achieve his first win in the race, which is now in its eighth year of running.
“It certainly probably wasn’t ideal for Sheza Alibi having a tough run like that at the 10 furlongs,” Maher said. “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 delight with the way preparations have unfolded for Amazing Journey, who will race under the colours of the Maher stable’s microshare venture, Unbridled Racing. Shares in the gelding are still being made available at $349 in the week leading up to the race.
The son of Starspangledbanner arrived in Australia with a record of five wins from eleven starts, including consecutive victories over 1207m and 1408m at Ascot in his final two races before relocating south.
He undertook two trials in preparation for his Australian debut, finishing at the rear in a 1000m workout at Randwick on October 6, followed by a commendable 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 remarked. “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.”
English racing sensation Saffie Osborne will have the opportunity to secure another feature win with Amazing Journey. The 24-year-old jockey is slated to travel to partner Amazing Journey in the Golden Eagle.
Maher considers Osborne’s strong performance record on Amazing Journey, having ridden him in eight of his eleven starts, to be a distinct advantage for his initial Australian outing.
“She’s got a good record on him and we’re happy to put her on,” he said.
Osborne is aiming to become the first female jockey to win the Golden Eagle, but she has already achieved historic milestones, notably becoming the first female jockey to win a UK Classic when she partnered Highwayman to victory in the English St Leger earlier this year.
Amazing Journey is currently listed at $15 in Golden Eagle betting, with the dominant $1.80 favourite, Sheza Alibi, remaining the market leader.
Compare racing odds from various providers for the Golden Eagle.
