The precise number of runners Ciaron Maher will have in this Saturday’s $200,000 H D F McNeil Stakes is yet to be determined, but one colt who is a confirmed starter is Seraphox.
The son of Harry Angel is poised to launch a campaign that is being carefully planned around the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, with the 1200-metre Group 3 race at Caulfield serving as his initial outing.
Maher’s stablemate Unit Five, who was scratched from Sandown last Saturday, is a likely contender. Additionally, Maher has entered Tornado Valley and Milsons Point, who raced over 1400m at Sandown last Saturday, though their participation is not yet finalised.
Jack Turnbull, assistant trainer for Maher, confirmed Seraphox’s presence, indicating the McNeil Stakes as the perfect launchpad for his campaign towards the 1600m Caulfield Guineas on October 10.
“We see him as a 1400-metre horse, miler and he’s on a Guineas path,” Turnbull said.
“He’s forward and ready to run a bit of a race, but I’d say he’ll be midfield and running on.”
“He’ll be competitive but he’s probably not going to be as sharp as some of the others in that race.”
Besides his Maher stable companions, Seraphox’s potential rivals include the Group 1 winning Kiwi horse Seize The Day, the promising colt American Eagle, Todman Stakes placegetter Wolf Gap, Sydney colt Confederation, and Anzac Day Stakes winner Blind Raise.
Seraphox recorded a third-place finish in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes, his first start in Victoria following a maiden win at Warwick Farm. This performance followed a seventh placing on debut in the Group 2 Todman Stakes, which demonstrates the high opinion Maher’s stable has consistently held for Seraphox.
Turnbull identified Seraphox and Tornado Valley as the stable’s two top prospects for the Guineas as the spring season approaches. Magic Millions winner Unit Five is slated to compete in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on Derby Day.
While the son of Supido will face a more challenging field at Caulfield than he would have encountered under the 59.5kg weight on Saturday’s Heavy track over 1000m, Turnbull mentioned that several factors contributed to making the Caulfield race a more appealing option.
“How the track was, the way it’s been playing, the weight and having the option of the McNeil,” Turnbull noted as the reasons for holding him back.
“He had a fair while off after that Magics prep and he’s come back really well, so we’re looking forward to getting back to the races.”
For those interested in the H D F McNeil Stakes, consider exploring the Australian betting sites for competitive racing betting markets.
