Champion trainer Ciaron Maher boasts one confirmed starter in this weekend’s Listed VRC St Leger, though he is ambitious about boosting his team’s numbers in the Flemington staying test.
Listed with Tasmanian Derby hero Dad And Dave in the 28 acceptors for the $200,000 2800m showdown are Awesome Artist, Noble Falcon, and Intervened.
The event accommodates 18 plus four emergencies, positioning Awesome Artist favourably, but leaving Noble Falcon and Intervened on the sidelines for now, as assistant trainer Jack Turnbull pushes for their inclusion in the fitting contest.
“We feel for those three it’s a good option and all horses are going to relish the trip,” Turnbull said.
“They’re all going to furnish and they’re going to learn with racing.
“They’re just raw young horses that are bred to stay and they’ll continue to learn and mature as they get older.”
Another victory in Victoria’s enduring Anzac Day fixture beckons for Maher, who captured the 2021 renewal with Through Irish Eyes while teamed with David Eustace.
At his last two appearances, Dad And Dave has come home well back in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) and Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m), nevertheless his Listed scalps in the Launceston Guineas (2000m) and Tasmanian Derby (2400m) guarantee his St Leger position.
Following a 2000m Canberra victory, Awesome Artist was 2-3/4 lengths off Dad And Dave in the Galilee Final, with Turnbull stressing that a genuine staying pace would play to his strengths for a win.
“They might have just went a fraction sedate throughout,” Turnbull said of the Galilee Final.
“He’s one-paced and needs a true gallop.”
Noble Falcon, a Proisir gelding, took fourth behind fellow stable runner Ardashir in his latest 2550m Pakenham maiden, after one placing in prior four starts over 2540m at Cranbourne.
The Kermadec colt Intervened lacks a placing from three goes, hitting sixth in both current prep runs at Pakenham over 1600m and 2000m.
Dom Sutton’s fillies After Summer and Classic Gem, third and fourth in the Group 1 ATC Oaks recently, join Arabian Prince plus ATC Derby participants Deal Done Fast and Savisanta in the VRC St Leger entries.
Head to trusted betting sites for the latest odds on VRC St Leger runners.