Co-trainer Peter Snowden believes that Mahara will have her best possible chance to record a win at Group 1 level when she contests the 2015 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Mahara will make his debut at the highest level of racing in the 2015 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill Gardens this weekend. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett
Mahara indicated that she was worthy of being set for a race like the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) when she won both the City Tattersalls Club Handicap (1400m) at Royal Randwick on October 18 and Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival and she has performed well without winning during her 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival campaign to date.
The Hussonet mare returned to racing in the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on February 14 and she was settled towards the tail of the field before hitting the line strongly to finish fifth, while she once again made up plenty of ground late to finish third behind Danesiri in the Group 3 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm on February 28.
Snowden told TVN that he has been happy with both of Mahara’s race starts this preparation and he believes that with just 52 kilograms on her back she is a genuine winning chance against the likes of First Seal in the 2015 Coolmore Classic.
“Both runs have been good this time in,” Snowden said.
“I thought that her second-up run at Warwick Farm was excellent and she has trained on nicely.
“She has been on the cusp.
“Last prep I think that she showed she had that sort of ability and this is her best chance.
“Under handicap conditions it is her best chance to win a Group 1 and hopefully luck goes her way.
“She is in good order and I expect her to run very well.”
Snowden is chasing his first win in the Coolmore Classic after previously missing the placings with Neroli (fourth behind Alverta in 2010 and fourth behind Typhoon Tracy in 2009) and Portillo (11th behind Typhoon Tracy in 2009).
Mahara is currently available at 2015 Coolmore Classic odds of $13 with Ladbrokes and is on the third line of betting from First Seal ($13) and Plucky Belle ($13), while the likes of Group 1 winners Dear Demi ($17), Diamond Drille ($17), Tinto ($17) and Amicus ($21) are available at lengthy double figure quotes.
