Ciaron Maher is confident Another Wil has taken the necessary step forward as he prepares to tackle Saturday’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
The gelding returns to the handicap in which he finished runner-up 12 months ago, but this year he shoulders topweight of 59kg. The race has shifted back to its original September position after being staged in November in recent years.
First-up, Another Wil finished sixth behind Treasurethe Moment in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) on August 30, a run Maher conceded showed he was further off peak condition than expected. However, a sharp gallop on Tuesday at Caulfield under Jamie Kah has boosted confidence.
“Jamie was really upbeat after his last two pieces of work,” Maher said. “She felt he travelled strongly and had plenty left in hand. That’s what we wanted to see, and he looks much fitter now.”
Another Wil boasts a strong Caulfield 1400m record, having claimed the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes in February, but Maher acknowledged the quality of this year’s field. Among the dangers is Angel Capital, trained by Chris Waller, who will line up with only 53.5kg and impressed Damian Lane in trackwork this week.
“It’s never easy with topweight, but he’s improved with that first-up run and he loves this track and trip,” Maher said. “It’s a tough race, but I’m happy with how he’s come on.”
Fans and punters can find updated odds for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and other spring features through Australia’s top betting sites.
