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| Staff Writer |
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Ciaron Maher feels confident about his gun colts, King Colorado and Nadal, preparing to compete in the prestigious Gr.1 Golden Rose at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday. Maher, a national premiership-winning conditioner who trains in partnership with David Eustace, believes his horses have what it takes to match up against the top seeds in the race.
Despite tough competition from Godolphin star Cylinder and Golden Slipper winner Shinzo, Maher has immense faith in his lightly-raced colts. King Colorado is particularly promising, having already secured a Group One victory in the JJ Atkins Stakes at just his third start in June.
Maher and co-trainer David Eustace chose a different strategy for the race and decided to run King Colorado against older horses in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes as his first race this season. Unfortunately, he finished ninth in that race.
"That was a huge run in the Winx Stakes and I think he would have learned a lot from that race," Maher said.
"It was a big field, he was in the middle and I think it would have toughened him up.
"You see that happen quite a bit, the three-year-olds they race in a race like The Everest and go on to be successful in a race like the Coolmore.
"I am very happy with him. The trial since then was great, he will have another nice gallop before the race and be heading there."
Jason Collett will once again be aboard King Colorado, starting from barrier nine, while apprentice Zac Lloyd, who is in pursuit of his first Group 1 victory, will ride Nadal from barrier 13.
The son of Xtravagant started slowly, falling behind and settling at the back before making a strong recovery to secure a third-place finish. Cylinder and Moravia took first and second place respectively in the traditional lead-up race.
"I think he has got enough ability and the fee isn't a problem especially when you are talking about colts," Maher said.
"I don't think the 1400m will worry him at all, he relaxes well and has a super turn of foot.
"I actually think he will be better over 1400m."
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr will aim to achieve consecutive Golden Rose victories with their talented filly, Charm Stone. They have high hopes that she will emulate the success of Jacquinot from the previous year.
However, it is worth noting that history may not be on Charm Stone's side, as the only filly to have won the race in the autumn was Forensics back in 2008.