Unit Five wrote himself into the history books with a victory in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic during his second race, and Ciaron Maher holds strong belief that the unbeaten colt can forge ahead further this weekend at Caulfield.
The Supido offspring leads Maher’s three-pronged bid for the $2 million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, with Ghana’s Akan and Milsons Point also in the mix.
Post the January 17 Gold Coast success, Maher passed on an extra race for Unit Five, as no horse has transitioned directly from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic to win the Diamond, though Maher anticipates success for his runner following a third-place finish in last Monday’s Cranbourne trial dominated by Milsons Point.
“He trialled well and he seems very similar,” Maher said.
“He’s a very similar weight, travelled down well and seems in similar order. I can’t fault him, really, he’s a very straightforward horse.
“I think he’ll run to that (Gold Coast run) and possibly better given it’s only his third run.
“I like the fact that his runs have been spaced and he’s fresh. It worked going into that (Gold Coast) race and I think it’ll work going into this race.”
Before heading to the Gold Coast, Unit Five dominated the $250,000 Magic Millions Victorian 2YO Classic at Caulfield back on December 20.
He’s quoted at $7 for the Blue Diamond, following the pair Big Sky and Guest House prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, and the fresh Blue Diamond Prelude conqueror Closer To Free.
Milsons Point, who was second last out in the Blue Diamond Preview, trades at $34, yet Maher approved of the Blue Point son’s trial display and foresees improvement over 1200m for his debut beyond 1000m.
“I think the 1200 will really suit him, he was looking for the 12 the other day, he was there to win the race but just didn’t have that turn of foot over 1000,” Maher said.
“I think the 1200 it will be a different story.”
Echoing Unit Five’s path, Ghana’s Akan returns from an interstate slot in a premium sales-restricted contest, second in the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) on February 7 after three runs in five weeks, with Maher satisfied by the Street Boss filly’s condition.
“She has been busy, but she’s also fit and well and sound,” he said.
“She doesn’t need to do any work. She’s been busy, she’s been travelling, so you’re just backing off and you don’t mind doing that with two-year-olds.”
Ethan Brown partners Ghana’s Akan initially on Saturday, Ben Allen stays on Milsons Point, and Tom Stockdale maintains his link with Unit Five. Fans should visit the leading online bookmakers for the Blue Diamond Stakes.
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