Ciaron Maher took away more than just a shock win with Land Legend from The Might And Power, finding additional positives from the Caulfield meeting.
The defeat of Sheza Alibi in the 2000-metre Group 1 race has instilled confidence in the in-form trainer that the highly-rated mare is beatable in the forthcoming Golden Eagle.
Maher is preparing his Northern Hemisphere three-year-old, Amazing Journey, for this Saturday’s prestigious $10 million Group 1 event at Randwick.
The result of The Might And Power has fuelled optimism that Maher might claim his first victory in the race, which is now in its eighth year.
“It certainly probably wasn’t ideal for Sheza Alibi having a tough run like that at the 10 furlongs,” Maher commented. “But good horses have a way of defying. They’re just good, so I’m sure she’ll still be very, very hard to beat.”
Maher is delighted with the way things have progressed for Amazing Journey, who will carry the colours of the Maher stable’s microshare company, Unbridled Racing. Shares in the gelding are still available for $349 in the week leading up to the race.
The son of Starspangledbanner arrived in Australia having won five of his eleven starts, including back-to-back victories over 1207m and 1408m at Ascot in his final two starts before transferring south.
He participated in two trials prior to his Australian debut, finishing last in a 1000m workout at Randwick on October 6, followed by an encouraging narrow second to King Of Roseau over 1030m at Rosehill thirteen days later.
“He took a bit of time as you can see through his form, but he came over very fit and he’s had the two trials,” Maher explained. “His first one he was a little bit fresh and then he was beautiful the other day. The times were good and his recovery was good. I think he’s a very talented horse.”
English racing breakthrough performer Saffie Osborne will have the opportunity to secure another major win with Amazing Journey. The 24-year-old jockey is scheduled to fly in to partner Amazing Journey in the Golden Eagle.
Maher considers Osborne’s strong record on Amazing Journey, having partnered him in eight of his eleven starts, a significant asset for his first Australian race.
“She’s got a good record on him and we’re happy to put her on,” he stated.
Osborne is aiming to become the first female jockey to win the Golden Eagle, but she has already made history by becoming the first female jockey to win a UK Classic when she rode Highwayman to victory in the English St Leger earlier this year.
Amazing Journey is currently rated a $15 chance in racing betting markets for the Golden Eagle, with the overwhelming $1.80 favourite, Sheza Alibi, dominating the betting.
Consider the latest betting sites for your Golden Eagle selections.
