Leading Australian trainer Ciaron Maher is looking to secure his first victory in the prestigious Blue Diamond Stakes, fielding a strong team of three talented fillies in Saturday’s 1200m contest at Caulfield.

Despite his impressive training record, Maher has yet to claim this Group 1 two-year-old title. This time, he hopes that one of Icarian Dream, Wiltshire Square, or Cherish Me can deliver a breakthrough win.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull, based at Cranbourne, is confident in their chances, stating that each filly brings strong credentials into the race.

Of the trio, Cherish Me has emerged as the stable’s highest-rated two-year-old this season. After a debut victory at Geelong in January, she has drawn barrier six and will be ridden by last year’s winning jockey, Jamie Melham.

“She’s a beautiful filly, and she’ll get better with age which is the most exciting part,” Turnbull said.

“I think she’s doing these sprint trips because she’s above average.”

Turnbull added that if Cherish Me doesn’t perform as expected, she could be spelled before targeting the Golden Slipper or returning in the spring.

Icarian Dream, who has not raced since finishing 12th in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January, brings valuable race experience with two wins from four starts.

Turnbull believes the filly had little chance in her last run due to a poor gate and wet conditions.

“It was a horrible gate, and we then struck a track which was soft,” he said.

“She doesn’t mind the going, but her wheels did spin on it, and where we were in running, it was horrible. We never got into the race.”

This time, Icarian Dream has drawn barrier seven, with Thomas Stockdale set to ride.

Wiltshire Square may still be a maiden, but she has been competitive in her lead-up runs, placing third in both the Preview and Prelude.

“There’s not much of her, but she’s a trier,” Turnbull said.

“Three starts for three stakes placings and her last two she hasn’t had cover. It may not be imperative at Caulfield because you are racing out of the chute, but young horses, with something to follow, generally benefit.”

Despite the challenge ahead, Maher’s trio head into Saturday’s race with high expectations.