Having recorded his first Australian win, South Pacific will chase a second in the Flemington Cup 1849.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable is set to again have a strong hand in a staying race at Flemington.
The Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) on Saturday will be the latest instalment for the co-trainers who head the Melbourne Trainers’ Premiership this season.
Having tasted success with Heart Of Puissance, Grand Promenade and South Pacific in staying contests over the past two months at Flemington, South Pacific and Saunter Boy will line up on Saturday.
Saunter Boy returns after winning the Kevin Lafferty Hurdle (3200m) at Warrnambool on July 4 on extremely heavy ground having chased home his stablemate at Flemington over 2540m on June 19 at his previous start.
Maher said if the expected rain arrives, which is forecast from Wednesday through until the end of the week, then it will aid Saunter Boy.
“He was good when he ran on the flat last time,” Maher said.
“He was doing better than South Pacific on the line and if the weather turns ordinary, which it is tipped to do, he is a great wet-tracker.
“He’s come through Warrnambool really well. Heavy track runs are too his liking because if he runs on a firm track, it’s harder for him.
“He’s got web feet.”
While liking the hopes of Saunter Boy in Saturday’s race, Maher conceded South Pacific would be the stable’s top seed.
Maher said it was good to see South Pacific finally break through at his eighth start on Australian soil.
“This should be the perfect race for him,” Maher said.
“He’s a genuine stayer. He’s fit, well, ready to go, the distance won’t be a worry and if it’s wet there’ll be no worries.”
A total of 22 Horses have been nominated in Saturday’s race with other notable entries being The Good Fight, Haky and Sweet Thomas.
