Ciaron Maher will have a strong hand at Sydney’s first metropolitan meeting of the new racing season, but promising mare It’s A Knockout will instead contest the Coffs Harbour Cup.

The four-year-old was among eight acceptors for the National Jockeys Trust Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, but Maher’s Sydney representative Johann Gerard-Dubord confirmed the mare will head north for Friday’s 1600m feature event.

“The trip suits her perfectly and being a Big Dance qualifier makes it even more attractive,” Gerard-Dubord explained. “She’s drawn a good gate, so we’ll take advantage of that.”

Although happy with her condition, Gerard-Dubord conceded he would have liked another week between runs. “She’s better with a longer gap, but she’s got a light weight and looks well-placed,” he said.

Maher will still be represented at Rosehill by Spaceballs, a talented filly who lines up in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1500m) after missing a 1400m assignment due to a wide draw.

The stable has added blinkers to Spaceballs after she raced erratically in the straight when narrowly beaten at Newcastle.

“She threw away her last run after hitting the lead,” Gerard-Dubord said. “The blinkers have made a big difference in trackwork, and while the extra distance is a slight unknown, she’s got plenty of upside.”

Saturday’s Rosehill card signals the opening Sydney metro meeting of the 2025-26 season, which begins on August 1.