Trish Dunell Photography
Son Of Maher’s connections are hoping the Group One performer can realise his full potential as a new look five-year-old.
“He’s been gelded since his last preparation and he’s coming up really well,” said co-owner Michael Pitman, who trains with his son Matthew.
“He looks super, he’s in great condition. I still believe he’s the best horse I’ve ever trained.”
The four-time winner and Gr.1 Levin Classic runner-up, who is a brother to the multiple stakes winner and Gr.2 Brisbane Cup placegetter Dance With Her, is closing in on a return to racing.
Son Of Maher took another step closer last week when he won a 1000m open trial at Ashburton.
“Chris Johnson rode him and he was impressed, his words were he’s a big, strong unit now,” Pitman said.
“Obviously, the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile here during Cup week is a target and he’ll probably resume here on Saturday in a Rating 75 over 1400m.”
The stable also won open trials at Ashburton with Sensei and Kinagat and the promising three-year-old Savvy Coup.
“Sensei trialled up really well,” Pitman said. “He’ll probably run in the Rating 65 over 1200m on Saturday, we’re getting him ready for the 2000 Guineas.
“What he did as a two-year-old was a bonus. He’s a half-brother to the Queensland Guineas winner Rothesay, who’s doing a great job at stud in Queensland.”
A colt by Dream Ahead, Sensei won once from six starts last season and placed in the Listed Welcome Stakes.
Kinagat is also set to resume in the open sprint on Saturday and he may be tried in a new role this campaign.
“We’ve nominated him for the Coupland’s Mile,” Pitman said. “We’ve had a lot of trouble with his feet, but they’re really good now.”
“He’s a different horse this time in and he could run a bit further.”
The stable also has high hopes for Savvy Coup, who ran fourth in her only start in April behind Prom Queen.
“It was a wet track and she just floundered in it,” Pitman said. “The one she beat at the trials (Starmaker) hadn’t been beaten before and she ran the fastest time. She’s a lovely filly.” – NZ Racing Desk.