Maher masterstroke in Australian Cup

Trainer Ciaron Maher has praised the efforts of the two horses who fought out a thrilling finish to the Australian Cup at Flemington.

Maher prepared the quinella of the Group 1 2000m contest when Light Infantry Man had his nose in front on the line from crowd favourite Pride Of Jenni on Saturday.

Pride Of Jenni took up her customary role in front and looked in trouble when the $2.50 favourite ambled up to her with 400m to run.

No sooner was he being hailed the winner, Pride Of Jenni had fought back to reassume control of the race until Light Infantry Man emerged on the scene.

In a thrilling last 100m, Light Infantry Man ($21) under Harry Coffey got his nose down on the line to score by a nose from Pride Of Jenni ($11) with Apulia ($13) a length away third.

Birdman weakened in the run home to finish fifth, three lengths from the winner.

Trainer Ciaron Maher said Light Infantry Man was a unique horse that needs to be ridden in a certain fashion.

He said regular rider Ethan Brown, currently sidelined through suspension, understands how to ride the gelding and was called upon to give Coffey that insight.

“This horse, he’s a unique horse, in the way he has to be ridden,” Maher said.

“Browny understands him well and I asked him to pass on some of that information last start and Harry didn’t really get it until he had finished the race.

“He rode him perfect today. The start is very important for him. He blasted him straight out of the gates.

“I don’t know who I’m more proud of, the winner or the second horse.”

Maher had considered a trip to Sydney for the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday, but reasoned with Pride Of Jenni in the Australian Cup it would be a truly run contest.

Pride Of Jenni set a strong pace in last year’s Australian Cup which suited Light Infantry Man, as it did again on Saturday.

“Two of his best wins are when he’s raced her,” Maher said.

“It’s such a shame for Jenni to run second again.

“I know for (owner) Tony (Ottobre), it’s a race he holds very dear to his heart. He strapped back in the day a horse for (Colin) Hayes.

“It’s still a race that’s eluded her, but she’s racing in great heart, and you never know, we may be back here with her next year. She was phenomenal.

“I thought it was going to be a spectacular race and to be fighting it out with two of your own, it’s pretty cool.”

Having ridden Light Infantry Man when fourth in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield where he garnered some important intelligence on Light Infantry Man, it was a text message from Brown on Saturday morning that added something more.

“This is his horse and he’s been so open and transparent in how to ride him,” Coffery said.

“He sent me a text this morning saying ‘I see it is going to be pretty wet, make sure you give him a nice warm up to the gates to let him know how open that track is. He’s a smart horse, and he’ll come to the conditions, but you have to let him know’.

“So, thank you Browny.”

Declan Bates, who partnered Pride Of Jenni, described the mare as a warrior.

“I don’t think I have ever asked of a horse what I asked of her today,” Bates said.

“I really asked her to extend quite early and she responded so gallantly.

“Frustrating not to win, obviously, but I am delighted for Harry, and I’m really happy with my horse.”