Grahame Begg remains optimistic about Maharba’s chances in Saturday’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, aiming to secure a Group 1 victory for the sprinter.
Despite narrowly missing out in last year’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m), Begg believes the four-year-old gelding can excel at the highest level, despite a recent setback in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m).
“He drew the wrong part of the track that day,” Begg explained to Racing.com.
“It was just a non-race for him. He got back on the inside and when that happens, you get dictated to. He didn’t get into any rhythm whatsoever in the race.
“He got beaten six lengths and on paper it looks disappointing, but we thought he was going well going into the Newmarket, so there’s no reason not to run him.
“Obviously, Jimmysstar is going to be very hard to beat, but with a smaller field there might be less pressure in the race. Going to weight-for-age and so on, there are a few variables.”
Maharba was a $17 hope with horse racing betting sites for the William Reid Stakes before markets closed ahead of Tuesday night’s barrier draw.
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