Ciaron Maher speaks with The Standard

The Standard

Horse trainer Ciaron Maher gives his predictions for his three runners in the Warrnambool Cup

Transcript

00:00We're here with Kieran Marr on the eve of the Warrnambool Cup.

00:04Kieran, it's a race you've never won, a Warrnambool Cup, amongst...

00:08There's not many races, feature races, and this is a listed race,

00:12and I take it that it's a race you've always wanted to win.

00:14Yeah, that's very true.

00:17That's a race that's eluded myself and the stable,

00:21so we have three genuine chances this year,

00:24so hopefully we can fix that problem.

00:28We'll go from the top, Smokin' Romans.

00:31He's a high-quality horse, back to form last start in the Mornington Cup.

00:35Carries a bit of weight, but is fitting well.

00:39Next.

00:40Strawberry Rock, very similar, very narrowly beaten in the Mornington Cup.

00:45Can mix his form, but he was a stride-off winner in that race the other day,

00:50so he's in good order.

00:53And third is Zeryab, who won the Terrain Cup and ran it quite well.

00:59Hasn't been out to the trip yet, but I think he'll run it,

01:02and he's got no weight, so I think he's probably the top pick

01:08from Strawberry Rock and Smokin' Romans.

01:12Terrain Cup form has stood up well for a Warrnambool Cup for years now, hasn't it?

01:16Yeah, it has, it has, and it was a very strong win.

01:21He went to the front and just improved his position,

01:24and T.O. was a very good ride that day.

01:28He can be a little bit of a handful, that horse,

01:30and so I'm sure T.O. would be quite keen to win the Cup.

01:35I'm not sure whether he's won one, but I would say not.

01:38As not.

01:39As not.

01:40So hopefully we both can get the job done.

01:42What about at Grand Daniel?

01:43You haven't got a runner and you've won the race seven times.

01:46You would have had an early look at the field.

01:48Who do you put on top there?

01:51Well, I think Andrew Bobbin's horse.

01:55Duker Bedford.

01:57I think winning form is good form.

01:58It's had the right prep.

02:00Might be a little bit questionable at the trip,

02:05but yeah, it obviously gets around the track well.

02:08It's in form, confidence is up,

02:10and I'd say you'll be able to beat.

02:14What about your old mate's horse, Aaron Purcells,

02:16the instigator made up plenty of ground

02:18over concluding stages in the Briley?

02:20He knows exactly what to do with them, Aaron.

02:23He's had a lot of runners in the Grand Annual,

02:26and that horse was good late.

02:28He can read the newspaper a bit as well,

02:34mix his form around,

02:35but in that sort of race,

02:38I think he will find his rhythm,

02:41and he doesn't like too much pressure,

02:43and he certainly won't get it in that race,

02:45so he'll be a chance as well.

02:47No worries at all.

02:48Thank you very much for your time.

02:49Kieran Marr.

02:50Cheers, Tim.

02:50Kieran Marr.

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