Horse Racing News: Maher’s Stable Shines at Royal Ascot
While champion trainer Ciaron Maher was not present at the prestigious Royal Ascot event, his horses certainly made their mark. Middle Earth, a strong contender for the upcoming Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, delivered an impressive third-place finish in the Hardwicke Stakes.
“He was a little bit slow into gear, and they only went a moderate tempo, but he closed off really well,” Maher said, expressing his excitement about the horse’s performance. “We’ll just work out where he is in terms of handicapping, but we’re very excited to get him out here. I’d say the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups would be the go.”
Maher’s stable has also set its sights on the promising two-year-old Pentle Bay, who put in a solid showing in the Chesham Stakes. “I was just going to see where the Caulfield Guineas sat with him, obviously it’s tough to do early in the season being a Northern Hemisphere two-year-old, three-year-old,” Maher commented. “He’s obviously got some ability, he’s bred to get over ground, and you wouldn’t think a New Bay should be doing what he’s doing. He’s got plenty of options.”
Both Middle Earth and Pentle Bay are expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming Australian spring racing season. Maher’s stable has undoubtedly proven its prowess, even in the absence of the champion trainer himself at the prestigious Royal Ascot event.
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