Ultra-consistent sprinter Maharba is set to kick off his autumn campaign, one that his trainer hopes will lead to a Group 1 victory.
Maharba has had two starts at the highest level previously, finishing midfield as a two-year-old in Sydney while at his last start he finished second in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) in Perth.
Following a trial at Cranbourne on Monday, trainer Grahame Begg has earmarked the Group 3 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday as the gelding’s return where Maharba is one of 18 nominations for the race.
The Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on February 22 is a possibility, although unlikely, for Maharba’s next outing while the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8 is Begg’s preferred option.
The Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 22 will round out Maharba’s Victorian campaign before Begg decides on interstate options.
Maharba finished third in Monday’s trial and Begg was happy what he saw from the sprinter in the heat won by Rey Magnerio.
“He had a soft time as he’s heading to the Rubiton Stakes on Saturday and then we’ll make a decision on whether we go to the Oakleigh Plate or just wait for the Newmarket,” Begg said.
“I’m leaning to waiting for the Newmarket. He does go very well up the straight and the horse does like having a bit of gap between runs, plus second-up they may be a bit sharp for him in the Oakleigh Plate.
“There is the William Reid at Moonee Valley after that and then we will make a decision on whether he goes to Sydney, while there’s also the Quokka in Perth.
“We’ve had a few nibbles there (the Quokka), but I think it would be pretty hard on the horse going over twice to Perth in virtually one preparation, but the horse is going well and I’m sure there’s a good race in him this preparation.”
Stablemate Magic Time won an earlier trial on Monday and will head to Sydney to campaign during the autumn.
Begg said Magic Time looks as good as she ever had after two jump-outs and believes she will be in for a terrific preparation.
The Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 15 has been chosen to kick-start the mare’s campaign.
“She really appreciated the rain we got overnight,” Begg said.
“The ground was quite rain-affected, and she was quite comfortable in that. She went through her gears nicely and that will fit her up nicely for her trip to Sydney.
“She’ll up there at the end of the week to run in the Expressway Stakes. She really appreciates ground with a bit of give in it and she’s more likely to get that up in Sydney.”
The Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) will follow Magic Time’s first-up assignment after which Begg said there was options for the mare.
“We’ve got the option of whether we go to something like the George Ryder Stakes or stick to mares’ races,” he said.
