Ciaron Maher is ready to make his mark on the Blue Diamond Stakes, sending three promising fillies—Cherish Me, Icarian Dream, and Wiltshire Square—into Victoria’s top two-year-old race at Caulfield this Saturday.
Despite being one of Australia’s most successful trainers, Maher has yet to claim this coveted Group 1 prize. However, his assistant trainer Jack Turnbull is optimistic about their chances.
Leading the charge is Cherish Me, who boasts the highest rating among the stable’s juveniles this season. The talented filly impressed with a debut win at Geelong in January and has secured barrier six for Saturday’s feature, with Jamie Melham aboard.
“She’s a beautiful filly, and she’ll get better with age which is the most exciting part,” Turnbull said.
“I think she’s doing these sprint trips because she’s above average.”
If the Blue Diamond Stakes doesn’t go to plan, Cherish Me could be spelled ahead of a spring campaign or a tilt at the Golden Slipper.
Icarian Dream brings valuable experience, having already competed in four races, winning twice. Her last outing in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast saw her finish 12th after a tough run.
Turnbull believes a wide draw and wet conditions worked against her.
“It was a horrible gate, and we then struck a track which was soft,” he said.
“She doesn’t mind the going, but her wheels did spin on it, and where we were in running, it was horrible. We never got into the race.”
With a much-improved barrier seven draw this time, Thomas Stockdale will take the ride.
Wiltshire Square remains a maiden but has been ultra-consistent, finishing third in both the Preview and Prelude lead-up races.
“There’s not much of her, but she’s a trier,” Turnbull said.
“Three starts for three stakes placings, and her last two she hasn’t had cover. It may not be imperative at Caulfield because you are racing out of the chute, but young horses, with something to follow, generally benefit.”
Maher is hopeful that one of his three talented fillies can finally land him a Blue Diamond Stakes victory.
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