Ciaron Maher is under no illusions about the task facing Light Infantry Man in Saturday’s $6 million Cox Plate, admitting the gelding will need to elevate his performance to be competitive in the weight-for-age classic at Moonee Valley.

But Maher has seen it before. The last time the talented son of Fast Company ventured to Victoria, he claimed a memorable win in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington in March, outstaying a quality field in a race run at genuine tempo. It’s that same toughness Maher hopes will resurface when the 2040m feature is run for the final time on the current Valley circuit before redevelopment begins.

Light Infantry Man’s spring has been Sydney-based, where he finished ninth in the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill last start — a result Maher said came down to circumstance rather than a lack of ability.

“Things didn’t really pan out that day, and he’s had a lot of work put into him to get to this level of fitness,” Maher said. “He’s not a lazy horse, but he’s one that prefers affection over gallops. He’s feminine in nature — active, expressive, athletic — he doesn’t need much to keep him right.”

Given his settled preparation, Maher decided against sending the gelding to Moonee Valley’s public gallops, instead opting for a controlled tune-up at Cranbourne on Tuesday, where Light Infantry Man moved fluently without breaking a sweat.

“He worked super. He’s very clean-winded, very athletic — there’s no need to overdo him. He’s ready to go,” Maher said.

With the 2025 Cox Plate shaping as a race without an obvious leader, Maher said the possibility remains that Light Infantry Man could roll forward and control the tempo himself.

“He thrives on high-pressure races. When he won in the west and when he won the Australian Cup, both were brutally run,” Maher said. “He has led before, and if there’s no pace on, he might be the one to take it up. He’s not the quickest horse early, but he’s tough and he’ll stay all day.”

Regular rider Ethan Brown is back aboard for what will be his first ride in the Cox Plate, replacing Chad Schofield, who partnered the horse in Sydney. Maher praised Brown’s recent form and believes his calmness in big-race scenarios will be an asset.

“Brownie has gone to another level this year,” Maher said. “He’s confident, composed, and he’s got that air about him that all good riders need in the big races. He rides this horse particularly well, and I think we probably missed him last start.”

With a proven Group 1 record and the right temperament, Light Infantry Man will attempt to emulate his Australian Cup heroics on one of Australian racing’s biggest stages.