Son of Maher
Trish Dunell
Son of Maher has another Group One target at home before trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman consider their options across the Tasman.
"He's going to the Dunedin Guineas next and then he'll run in the Avondale Guineas before the New Zealand Derby," said Michael Pitman, who trains the colt with his son Matthew.
"We're still thinking about the South Australian Derby, but that's not until May."
Pitman has held Son of Maher in high regard for some time and said the best of him wasn't seen when he finished sixth in the Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas.
"He's a serious horse and he was unlucky at Christchurch, he should have run fourth if not third," Pitman said.
"He was checked quite badly and when you run sixth you can't protest."
Son Of Maher won his next two starts before he finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Levin Classic on rain-affected going at Trentham.
"He's a better horse on good ground and I've always said you won't see the best of him until he gets to 2000 metres and beyond," Pitman said.
"He's out of a mare who placed in the WA Oaks and his sister (Dance With Her) won up to 2300 metres so he's quite stoutly-bred."
Meanwhile, the stable veteran El Chico will attempt to win Saturday's Listed Speight's Timaru Stakes at Ashburton for the fourth time. – NZ Racing Desk.
"He's going to the Dunedin Guineas next and then he'll run in the Avondale Guineas before the New Zealand Derby," said Michael Pitman, who trains the colt with his son Matthew.
"We're still thinking about the South Australian Derby, but that's not until May."
Pitman has held Son of Maher in high regard for some time and said the best of him wasn't seen when he finished sixth in the Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas.
"He's a serious horse and he was unlucky at Christchurch, he should have run fourth if not third," Pitman said.
"He was checked quite badly and when you run sixth you can't protest."
Son Of Maher won his next two starts before he finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Levin Classic on rain-affected going at Trentham.
"He's a better horse on good ground and I've always said you won't see the best of him until he gets to 2000 metres and beyond," Pitman said.
"He's out of a mare who placed in the WA Oaks and his sister (Dance With Her) won up to 2300 metres so he's quite stoutly-bred."
Meanwhile, the stable veteran El Chico will attempt to win Saturday's Listed Speight's Timaru Stakes at Ashburton for the fourth time. – NZ Racing Desk.