The Ciaron Maher stable kick off the campaigns of two young horses at Caulfield it hopes can rise to bigger assignments in the spring.
Ghana’s Akan and Milsons Point contest the Stow Robotics Handicap (1100m) on Saturday, their first outings since the autumn.
Milsons Point has been gelded since competing in the VOBIS Showdown (1200m) at Caulfield in March and Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, said Saturday was a nice starting point with bigger races in mind.
“He’s a big lad,” Turnbull said of Milsons Point.
“Last prep he was strong as a colt, but he has softened up a touch as a gelding.
“He is a miler, that’s his future, so he’ll go up in trip pretty quick.”
Milsons Point has had two jump-outs in preparation for his return and won an 800m heat at Caulfield last week.
“We’re pleased with how he’s come back, but his Grand Finals are down the track,” Turnbull said.
“The Caulfield Guineas would be his Grand Final, but we don’t know if he’s good enough.
“We’ll give him his chance to get there in races like the Mike Moroney at Flemington, the Prelude or the Stutt Stakes.”
Ghana’s Akan is yet to win in four starts, but has two seconds to her credit and just shy of $470,000 in prize money.
The daughter of Street Boss ran second in the Inglis Millennium at Randwick before closing out her preparation running fifth in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.
Despite not winning a race, Ghana’s Akan has been given topweight of 59kg, which will be offset by the 3kg claim of Jabez Johnstone.
“We were sort of surprised in a way with the weight, but she’s a talented filly that put the writing on the wall last prep,” Turnbull said.
“She’s strengthened up but will be better again coming out of the spring into the autumn.
“She’s quick, she had a nice trial last week and she’s cleaned up in the skin.”
Turnbull indicated Ghana’s Akan would be kept on a sprinting path during the spring with the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 15 a potential early target.
“The three weeks should work well, so that’s her path,” Turnbull said.
“I think she’s more short course. That’s the way we see her, and I think the 1100 and 1200 metres is her go this prep.”
