Ciaron Maher has won plenty of major races, but one that still eludes him is the Adelaide Cup. That could change on Monday as he sends two strong contenders, Promises Kept and Goldenstatewarrior, into the Group 2 3200-metre feature at Morphettville.
Jockeys Michael Dee and Blake Shinn will take the reins after both enjoyed success in New Zealand over the weekend. Shinn showcased his skills aboard Damask Rose in the NZ$3.5 million The Kiwi (1500m), while Dee took home the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Willydoit.
Goldenstatewarrior, who will be piloted by Dee, ran fourth in the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) on February 22, and Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull believes minor adjustments could make the difference.
“He was inclined to do more late but he did float for a bit, so headgear will go on him,” Turnbull said. “We’ll ride him with a little bit more initiative and get him involved. He’s got a lightweight and we do believe he’ll stay, which is the main thing going into this race.”
Meanwhile, Shinn will take charge of Promises Kept, who put together a solid campaign in Tasmania, finishing second in both the Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m) and Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m).
“He went back to Ballarat and only had the one piece of work because he is very fit,” Turnbull said. “He strode up the back straight on Tuesday morning and we can’t fault him.”
A key change for Promises Kept is a switch back to blinkers.
“He is a bit of a thinker and was having a look last time, so we’re going back to the blinkers,” Turnbull added. “With 58 kilos, they haven’t missed him, but it is what it is.”
The Phillip Stokes-trained Taramansour currently leads betting markets at $4 for the Adelaide Cup 2025, an event that has been run since 1864.