Leading trainer Ciaron Maher had reason to smile for now and for the future after Friday's Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield.
Consistent sprinter Brave Mead won the race thanks to Blake Shinn's smart riding, but Australian Guineas-bound King Colorado finished strongly to secure a promising second place.
TAB has cut the Australian Guineas bid for King Colorado from $11 to $6 following his run in the Manfred Stakes, joining his Caulfield Guineas-winning stablemate Griff at the top of the betting for the March 2 event.
Shinn continued to press forward until Brave Mead took control of the Manfred Stakes from the $2.20 favorite Steparty.
Shane put his pre-race plan into action before returning home, accelerating the pace and asking Brave Mead's six competitors to chase the final 400 metres.
Brave Mead ($5) tired late but maintained a length margin over King Colorado ($11) at the end of the $200,000 race, which may be the last win Maher enjoys with David Eustace before their training partnership ends after Saturday's race.
“Great ride for Blake Shane,” Maher said.
“I said to Blake, take luck from him and keep going, he's fit and well.”
“He took the bit out of his teeth early and that was the winning move.”
Maher said punters can expect to see Brave Med continue to compete over distances no longer than 1,400m during the remainder of his preparation.
Senior trainer King Colorado, a Group 1 Queensland winner as a two-year-old, is likely to be sent to Flemington for a next run in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes next month.
“King Colorado was great and it was great to see him back like that,” Maher said.
“The Australian Guineas is his target and I think Flemington would be perfect for him.”
Steparte was outclassed from home but finished third ahead of Amigo trained by Peter Moody and Catherine Coleman.
Originally published as Brave Mead wins Manfred Stakes at Caulfield as King accuses Colorado of equal favoritism for Australian Guineas
