Al Maher colt Money Maher will launch his WATC Derby campaign at Ascot today.
The stakes-winning three-year-old last raced in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) on December 9 when finishing seventh, beaten three-and-a-quarter lengths, to Pounamu.
Money Maher will race first-up in today’s Selangor Turf Club Trophy (1400m) and is the $2.70 pre-post favourite with punters expecting him to relish a drop in grade to the 66+ event.
Co-trainers Ben and Dan Pearce have elected not to trial their prized colt leading into his return and believe there is plenty of improvement to come to ensure he’s at his peak for the $400,000 Group 2 WATC Derby (2400m) in April.
Money Maher has won first-up from a spell at his last two race preparations, the most recent when recording a barnstorming win by two lengths in the Listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m) at Ascot.
He’ll come into barrier one in today’s eight-horse field following the scratching of Abdicator and will have the services of stable hoop, Jarrad Noske, in the saddle.
Pearce Racing will host a sales parade, showcasing 12 recently-purchased yearlings, at Toreby Park tomorrow from 5.30pm.