Ciaron Maher is hopeful that a familiar route will lead to success as he prepares Shanwah for a shot at the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) this Saturday at Randwick.

The in-form three-year-old heads into the $2 million feature having won his last four races, including back-to-back victories in the Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield and Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley.

While Maher has captured two previous editions of the Derby with Hitotsu (2022) and Explosive Jack (2021), he notes that Shanwah’s build-up has followed a path similar to Global Exchange and Ruthven—both of whom ran top-six in their respective Derby runs.

“I brought him through the same path as a horse called Global Exchange, who ran sixth. He didn’t handle the wet,” Maher said.

“And another horse, Ruthven, that ran fourth. I took them through the same path.

I think he is better than those horses. Any sort of track wouldn’t worry him. He just keeps stepping up each time he runs.”

By Too Darn Hot and out of a mare by Iffraaj, Shanwah has improved significantly since stretching beyond the mile, showcasing his staying potential in recent wins.

Maher is confident the colt has the quality and experience to handle the big stage, especially given his earlier exposure to racing in Sydney.

“He has been very good his last two and has won by a space both times,” Maher said.

“He has had a prep up here before so he is no stranger to this way of going.

Class counts for a lot in these three-year-old races and he’s got a lot of that.”

The Derby has drawn a capacity field of 18 runners with five reserves on standby. Aeliana, the only filly engaged, has been well-supported in betting at $3.50 after drawing ideally in barrier two.

Shanwah is a solid $8 chance and has drawn well in gate four as he bids to extend his winning streak and deliver another Derby win for Maher.