Classy three-year-old Money Maher will hold the hopes of co-trainers Daniel and Ben Pearce in tomorrow’s Group One Magic Millions Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot.
The Al Maher colt started favourite in the Group Two WA Guineas (1600m) a fortnight ago after a barnstorming win in the Listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m) two week’s prior, however, he had an unfavourable run when having to come from near-last and spanning as the widest runner on the turn before finishing seventh to Perfect Jewel.
He’ll carry just 52kg under weight-for-age conditions in tomorrow’s $1 million event and his chances have been further boosted by drawing barrier two.
Money Maher is currently rated a $26 chance while Perfect Jewel is on the third line of betting at $6.00.
A first-three finish would see his value as a colt rise significantly with future stallion prospects a possibility.
Joseph Azzopardi will ride the three-year-old for the first time since finishing third in the Group Three WA Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) last season.
Meanwhile, the Pearce brothers’ progressive filly Street Fury ($2.20) will be vying for back-to-back wins at Ascot when she lines up in the Crown Towers Plate (1200m).
The Street Boss three-year-old was an impressive winner against the track bias when resuming from a spell in midweek grade on November 22.
She faces the toughest test of her five-start career in tomorrow’s open three-year-old event but drops 4kg from her last-start win and again has the services of leading hoop William Pike in the saddle.
The Pearce stable will also be represented by consistent five-year-old Pushin’ Shapes ($6.00) on the day when he contests the Tourism WA Trophy (1800m).
The Viscount gelding finished two-and-a-quarter lengths fourth to Push To Pass ($5.50) last time out but meets that galloper two kilos better at the weights this time around.
In-form apprentice Tayla Stone retains the mount.
[Photo: RWWA]