The 2024 Melbourne Cup odds are now changing rapidly. There was a real shakeup after Royal Ascot too with numerous European horses now aimed at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Ballarat trainer Ciaron Maher is in pole position to grab the best of the bunch from overseas. His incoming Qatar Racing galloper Middle Earth has some lofty targets ahead, while others are arriving too.
Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup Both Pencilled In
Given his undoubted expertise, it’s perhaps surprising that Ciaron Maher has only once won the Melbourne Cup.
Along with former partner David Eustace, Maher saddled Gold Trip to victory in 2022. Another import for his stable however may offer a huge chance.
Plans are already afoot for Middle Earth after finished a very creditable third in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes over 2400m at Royal Ascot. Maher owns the four-year-old in partnership with Qatar Racing.
The Melbourne Cup being on the agenda is no surprise. Now however, it seems that the Caulfield Cup has also been scheduled. Middle Earth stays in England for now though, remaining in training with John & Thady Gosden in Newmarket before heading off.
Strong Pace and Fair Weight the Key to Success
In a very strong race, Middle Earth’s placed effort was a good one in the Hardwicke.
Having been a little slowly away from his barrier, he had to sit behind an unsuitably moderate pace. Despite that, he finished strongly in third, shaping as though extra distance and a stronger pace will show him in a good light.
Finishing no closer however may also have helped his handicap rating. Maher will have to work out just how well handicapped he is ahead of the Melbourne Cup. He has also confirmed that the Caulfield Cup will be first.
Officially rated 115 before Ascot, the son of Roaring Lion is now at 114. The Hardwicke winner, Isle Of Jura, has been given 119 and it’s likely Middle Earth would be higher had he won. He’s classy, but it’s important to keep some weight in hand.
Despite his sire not staying well, this horse does all his best work late on at 2400m. Last year, when only a three-year-old, he won twice at 2800m.
Maher to Look Over Even More Northern Hemisphere Arrivals
As well as Middle Earth, Maher also has a stake in another Ascot placed horse.
Pentle Bay is a juvenile who ran a fine second in the Listed Chesham Stakes. He was bought by Teme Valley Racing after his debut before Maher also took an interest.
Maher appears to be thinking of the Caulfield Guineas with this one. Options remain open, especially given that as a son of New Bay it’s surprising how well he has taken to fast ground.
Finally, Maher has also been tasked with looking after Sayedaty Sedaty. The colt was fifth in the Derby for Andrew Balding, but he’s now been bought by Australian Bloodstock, the team behind Gold Trip.
