Maher secures high-profile talent at 2017 Karaka Yearling Sales
VICTORIAN trainer Ciaron Maher made headlines earlier this week after acquiring the pure white colt by ShamExpress.
The striking yearling out of The Opera House made headlines at Karaka 2017 and it attracted some of the industry’s biggest players, including Maher and bloodstock agent Michael Wallace, who along with the China Horse Club purchased the colt for $510,000.
Maher said they have been specking the colt for some time and believe it has maturely nicely since being foaled.
“I saw him at the farm (Windsor Park Stud) as a foal when he was with his mother, that was about a year ago,” Maher told horsebetting.com.au.
“I thought he was a good type then. He developed well and Mick (Wallace) looks at every horse in the sale and he looked at him on the farm and we decided to get together and buy him.”
Maher had intentions to purchase last year’s pure white filly, which sold for $450,000 to Japanese interests, but he’s pleased with his new stable addition.
“I wanted to buy the filly last year, but the competition was too tough and I never got a look in,” Maher said.
“I saw this guy as a foal and liked him, so I got organised to try and buy him – I’m rapt.”
Maher also purchased a lovely Tavistock ex. Ana Zeel filly, which is closely related to champion Australian performer Lankan Rupee.
“It’s a very strong pedigree,” Maher said.
“The Tavistock’s are doing the job and she’s got a big page.
“There’s plenty of residual value there.”
Maher returns to Australia later in the week where he will focuse on his runners at Caulfield, in particular debut winner Jukebox, which is looking to secure a start in the Blue Diamond Stakes later this month.
“He’s been a horse with ability, if he runs well, which I think he should, he’ll go into the Blue Diamond,” Maher said.
Maher’s assistant trainer David Eustace echoed the confidence in the camp and said they’re expecting a top-three finish for the $2.20 favourite.
“Ciaron has always liked him,” Eustace said.
“He bought him at the Melbourne Premier Sale last year and just thought he was a real natural.
“He’s a very athletic, clear-winded horse and doesn’t require much work and that’s what he sort of loved about him. He’s never really had to teach him anything.
“I’ll be very disappointed if he didn’t finish in the top three on Saturday and get the necessary prize money to get into the Diamond.”
Maher had also planned on lining up two-year-old filly Omorose in the Chairman’s Stakes, but has since opted to give it more time to mature.
“She’s not quite as forward as the other horse, but we’ll just see,” Maher said.
“We’re chasing a bit of black type with her, she’s by So You Think – you think she’d be better next time around.”
Maher is having a good start to the season which sees him in seventh in the Victoria metropolitan ranks and third in the country premiership, with his season highlight coming with Jameka in the 2016 Caulfield Cup.