Trainer Grahame Begg is optimistic about Maharba’s autumn campaign following a gallant second-place finish in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot.
Despite a slow start, the talented four-year-old unleashed a powerful late run but couldn’t reel in Overpass.
Begg revealed jockey Jordan Childs reported an issue at the barriers.
“It’s a completely different scenario if he jumped as he would have been no worse than midfield, but as it was, we ended up a long way back on the rail and we were dictated to in the run by other runners and when we could get a run,” Begg explained.
Maharba’s recent form shows he’s reached a new level, with a win in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes and placings in weight-for-age contests like the Schillaci and Winterbottom.
“He’s gone to another level,” Begg said.
Maharba will target the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes, Group 1 Newmarket Handicap, and Group 1 William Reid Stakes in the autumn.
“He races best off a break and he goes well up the straight. It looks a nice program for him,” Begg added.