Ciaron Maher’s pursuit of a second consecutive Victoria Derby title is intensifying this weekend, as his stable’s top two colts prepare for their final preparatory runs before the $3 million Group 1 event.

Vallice and Skua are scheduled to contest the $240,000 Group 3 Sportsbet Classic over 2000 metres at Caulfield on October 31, serving as the opening race on Caulfield Cup Day. Maher famously won the previous year’s Derby with Observer.

Jack Turnbull, national assistant trainer for Maher, highlighted that the Victoria Derby has long been a primary target for both Vallice and Skua.

“We’ve got other horses on the fringe, but in terms of winning the race, you couldn’t go past Vallice or Skua of our team,” Turnbull stated. “Skua is a genuine staying horse, he probably wants to be ridden on-speed because he’ll lengthen, whereas Vallice is more dynamic and has a good turn of foot.”

Vallice last showcased his form in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington, where he finished as the leading colt and gelding, crossing the line 2-1/2 lengths behind the dominant winner, Miss Waititi.

This was the colt’s fourth start this campaign and his first appearance in the placings this season. He is by Maurice, the stallion responsible for siring Maher’s first Victoria Derby winner, Hitotsu, and his dam is a German mare by Guiliani.

“We were trying to ride him a bit closer that day, but how circumstances unfolded he got back and it actually was perfect like a Derby trial up in trip,” Turnbull explained.

In the Super Impose Stakes, Vallice finished four positions and almost 2-1/2 lengths ahead of Skua. However, Turnbull was forgiving of Skua’s performance, noting the horse experienced a difficult run.

“He had a bit of a tricky run last start, he was wide and got out of position, but his work late was good on possibly an unfavourable track,” Turnbull said. “He’s shifted down to Cranbourne since, we’ve given him a few good bits of work and I think the change of environment is going to help have him spot on. The further he goes up in the distance the better I think he will go.”

Both of Maher’s colts have drawn the two outside gates in the nine-horse Caulfield Classic. Ethan Brown is tasked with navigating the widest gate aboard Skua, marking his first ride on the colt, while Mark Zahra retains the ride on Vallice.

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