The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable will have numbers on their side as they chase an assured start in the Melbourne Cup courtesy of victory in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington.
The race is open to three, four, and five-year-olds and Maher and Eustace has seven of the 19 entries for the 2800m Listed race on Saturday.
Explosive Jack, Feel The Rush, Grand Promenade, Heart Of Puissance, Persan, South Pacific and Through Irish Eyes are nominated, although Grand Promenade, Persan and Through Irish Eyes are expected to be their runners.
Victory in Saturday’s races provides a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup.
Maher was bewildered by Persan’s last start unplaced effort over 2600m at Flemington on Anzac Day.
“He probably wasn’t quite himself in the days after that, he wasn’t as bright as he normally is,” Maher told RSN.
“Nothing came to light on all the tests we did on him, hopefully it’s just an off day for him and he can bounce back.”
Having won the Listed VRC St Leger at his last start over Saturday’s course and distance, Maher said the Andrew Ramsden appealed as an enticing race.
He said the three-year-old may then head to Brisbane for a tilt at the Queensland Derby on May 29.
“The reason for running him in the Andrew Ramsden is the 2800 (metres) at Flemington really suits him,” Maher said.
“He’s a bit like Let’s Karaka Deel (runner-up in the South Australian Derby), but bigger. He’s still got to furnish but he’s a real genuine stayer.
“The 2800 is much more to his liking than the 2400 and he’s obviously had that experience at Flemington already.
“We’ll have this week’s target and work his plan out after that.”
Grand Promenade is coming off a last start win at Sandown over 2400m on May 1.
