Ciaron Maher’s ambition for a second consecutive Victoria Derby victory is gaining momentum this weekend, with the stable’s leading colts slated for their final lead-up runs in preparation for the $3 million Group 1 race.
Vallice and Skua are set to compete in the $240,000 Group 3 Sportsbet Classic over 2000 metres at Caulfield on October 31, marking the commencement of Caulfield Cup Day. Maher had previously won the Derby with Observer.
Jack Turnbull, national assistant trainer for the Maher stable, confirmed that the Victoria Derby has been a long-standing objective for both Vallice and Skua.
“We’ve got other horses on the fringe, but in terms of winning the race, you couldn’t go past Vallice or Skua of our team,” Turnbull remarked. “Skua is a genuine staying horse, he probably wants to be ridden on-speed because he’ll lengthen, whereas Vallice is more dynamic and has a good turn of foot.”
Vallice last demonstrated his capabilities in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington. He finished as the best of the colts and geldings, albeit 2-1/2 lengths behind the dominant winner, Miss Waititi.
This was the colt’s fourth race of the current campaign and his first time in the placings this season. He is by Maurice, the same stallion that sired Maher’s inaugural Victoria Derby victor, Hitotsu, and his dam is a German mare by Guiliani.
“We were trying to ride him a bit closer that day, but how circumstances unfolded he got back and it actually was perfect like a Derby trial up in trip,” Turnbull explained.
In the Super Impose Stakes, Vallice finished four positions and nearly 2-1/2 lengths ahead of Skua. However, Turnbull expressed understanding for Skua’s performance, noting the horse’s challenging race.
“He had a bit of a tricky run last start, he was wide and got out of position, but his work late was good on possibly an unfavourable track,” Turnbull said. “He’s shifted down to Cranbourne since, we’ve given him a few good bits of work and I think the change of environment is going to help have him spot on. The further he goes up in the distance the better I think he will go.”
Both of Maher’s colts drew the outside barriers in the nine-horse field for the Caulfield Classic. Ethan Brown will steer Skua from the widest gate, his first ride on the colt, while Mark Zahra retains the mount on Vallice.
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