The Ciaron Maher stable has some thinking to do with Vallice after the two-year-old opened his winning account at Sandown.
A two-year-old son of Maurice, Vallice took out the Thoroughbred Club Of Australia Handicap (1400m) on Wednesday.
Maurice started his career at Donald last month, just like another of the Maurice stock, Hitotsu, did when beginning his campaign with the Maher stable after initially being trained by Wendy Kelly.
Hitotsu went on to claim the Victoria Derby in the spring and the Australian Derby the following autumn.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, said a discussion with ‘the boss’ would be required to see how far Vallice progresses this campaign.
Ridden by Tasmanian apprentice Jabez Johnstone, Vallice ($6) scored by a length from the $3.80 favourite Meness with Satono’s Shout ($4.60) a short-head away third.
An objection was lodged by Lachie Neindorf, the rider of the fourth horse Gallantry, for alleged interference in the home straight, but after a short deliberation, it was dismissed.
Turnbull indicated the colt could be given a ‘breather’ and then prepare for some of the better three-year-old races in the new season.
“He’s always shown a bit, and we think he will get out over a trip in time,” Turnbull said.
“It didn’t work out through the race as he was on the bit and over travelling at times off a sedate tempo, but it was good to see him quicken off that.
“We thought he first-up run had plenty of merit, albeit it was a fifth on paper, but he’s clearly backed that up today.
“It’s that time of year that you have to start thinking about spring, keeping in mind how old he is and the pedigree he as, so maybe he could have a breather and get on the right leg for all those better races, so I’ll have to have a chat with Ciaron, but potentially we stop.
“He’s bred to get over a trip, so whether or not it’s a pie in the sky, a Guineas or Derby path, we can look at that.
“He’s a beautiful cut of a horse that will continue to improve and to be winning in town second-up makes you think about going to that next stage.”
