The stable of Ciaron Maher looks forward keenly to imported speedster Zahrann’s first run on Australian soil at Bendigo.

Saturday brings the Listed Golden Mile (1600m), the Irish product’s seventh race, supported by respectable overseas lines.

Bendigo’s reputation as ‘Nursery of Champions’ stems from nurturing careers of Better Loosen Up, Hyperno and Salamander, a fine proving ground for imports.

Back in 2015, Observational won the Golden Mile for trainer Robert Hickmott and owners Lloyd and Nick Williams at his local bow.

Zahrann managed one prior effort shorter than 2000m, runner-up in Navan’s 1609m maiden on debut last April.

From Ciaron Maher Racing, National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull tempered hopes ahead of the entire’s two jump-outs for Saturday’s effort.

“I won’t say it will be too short, but in a perfect world he’s going to want a bit further,” Turnbull said.

“He takes a lot riding. He’s a very complacent animal, but when he puts his mind to it, he can really have a crack.

“He’s really exciting for the spring and that was why he was purchased, ideally for a race like the Caulfield Cup and you go through his form in Europe, it’s pretty exciting.

“If we can capture a bit of that on Saturday and build off that, that would be great, and our plan is to get to the spring.”

Turnbull indicated the race result will influence subsequent plans.

Choices encompass a Brisbane trip northward or resting toward spring carnivals.

“The spring comes around very quick,” Turnbull said.

“I wouldn’t say he will spell between now and spring, it’s just where he ticks over, in what location.”

Turnbull recounted the extended settling-in for Zahrann after last year’s import, hampered by foot ailments.

“When we started with him, we trained him barefoot for a while, took him back to basics, and had our farrier team get on top of him,” Turnbull said.

“He had a few small hiccups, but looking back, we’re well on top of that now.

“He’s a very attractive stallion and being Bendigo, a lovely galloping track, a lovely surface, it should be ideal.

“He’ll be asked to step away, hold a spot somewhere, hopefully that’s midfield, or thereabouts and then have one run at them to be finishing off, and if that is good enough, then that’s great, otherwise we build and look for something a little longer.”

In the same race, the Maher squad runs Holymanz, primed as per Turnbull’s assessment.

The gelding placed fifth last out on soft at Flemington but excelled in a Cranbourne jump-out since.

“As I always say, you would love to own him,” Turnbull said.

“He’s so well. He’s had a little jump-out since his last run. He’s fresh, so consistent and the mile is his trip.

“If he runs to his level and gets a smooth run, I’m sure he’s good enough.”

Racing fans can check racing betting markets for the Golden Mile action.