Unit Five, considered one of Ciaron Maher’s leading three-year-olds, is all set for his return to racing action at Sandown this Saturday.

Although the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) in February saw the colt finish tenth with little going to plan, a subsequent break and two pleasing trial efforts have the 2026 Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) winner primed to enhance his credentials this spring.

The ultimate target is a start in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over the same distance, scheduled for the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

“We’ll give him the opportunity,” said Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Maher.

“He had three months out to prepare for this time of the year and I think that time has done him the world of good.

“He’s strengthened but he hasn’t grown tall. He is a bit bigger but he’s a magnificent looking animal and he looks fast and athletic.

Unit Five is nominated for the 1000m three-year-old handicap, having contested two trials at Cranbourne.

“I was stoked with his trials,” Turnbull added.

“He had one on the grass and one on the poly. We kept him on the bit on the poly being an artificial surface, but he is very sharp and he looks good and he’s in a good place.

Turnbull indicated that the Sandown outing will be followed by a run down the Flemington straight in the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes (1100m) on September 12.

“He just a racehorse and we saw that when he won on debut at Caulfield Heath,” Turnbull remarked, referencing the win on December 20.

“He’s one of our top tier three-year-olds and it is good to have him back.”

Regardless of what unfolds, Unit Five has already proven to be a bargain acquisition for Ciaron Maher Bloodstock, having amassed nearly $1.9 million in prize money after being purchased for $80,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2025.

Check out the latest betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites.