Ciaron Maher’s establishment regularly sources gallopers from abroad who thrive in cooler months with exceptional long-distance prowess.
In his first Australian outing, the Irish-bred Mukhtalif put on a show by capturing the 1800m Robert Taranto Handicap at Caulfield over the weekend, signalling strong potential under his current management.
Ridden by Ben Allen as the $4.60 favourite, Mukhtalif dictated terms near the front and crossed two lengths clear of $5.50 elect Figlio D’Argento, with Merchant Flyer ($11) third, beaten a short half-head.
Having succeeded at Newmarket and York previously, the gelding was secured by owners including the My Racehorse Syndicate and Jack Turnbull, assistant to trainer Ciaron Maher on a national level. Turnbull confirmed a measured approach without haste for the newcomer.
The plan involves utilising the gelding’s low mark to build him up through the grades steadily.
“Whilst he’s fresh, I don’t think we’ll have to rush him up in trip,” Turnbull said.
“There’s an 1800-metre race at Flemington, at the end of the month, April 25, so that was our next possible option if we did win here.
“But we’ll see how he is. He’s not slow, he’s just one of those horses you have to be careful how you ride him.
“He was well bought and hopefully he’s our next progressive winter stayer.”
Allen overcame the awkward gate by moving up to second outside the eventual second before taking charge entering the final stages.
“We didn’t think he would be as forward in the run as he was,” Turnbull said.
“He did a fraction of work to get to where he did, but then he relaxed well for Ben thereafter and had a couple of cheap sectionals and then built.
“He’s the type that can build and once he didn’t get caught out on that tempo, he was able to build and was strong through the line.”
Mukhtalif displayed extra energy post-finish, as noted by Allen following his easy score.
“When the others caught up over the line he wanted to go again and it took me a while to pull him up,” Allen said.
For the latest sports betting options, see what’s available on staying races like the Robert Taranto Handicap.
