Holymanz (NZ) (Almanzor) has not won since last year’s Coastal Classic (1700m) and the Ciaron Maher stable is confident the race can again bring out the best in the gelding.
The son of Almanzor will defend his title against six rivals in Saturday’s $300,000 event over the Geelong 1700-metre circuit.
Despite not having won in 10 starts since his win under 53kg in the inaugural Coastal Classic, Holymanz is 60kg topweight for a race that does not have the depth of last year’s race.
“He’s got to carry a bit of weight, but I think it’s pretty well spread in terms of what he’s up against,” Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said.
“He’s been competing in better races and I would imagine it’s going to be his best opportunity to win this prep.”
After winning at Geelong, Holymanz headed to New Zealand, where he ran fourth in the Aotearoa Classic (1600m) before returning to Australia to beat home all bar multiple Group One winner Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m).
He has placed just twice in eight starts since, but one of those was last start in the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, won by stablemate New Energy (New Bay).
That was over a month ago, on November 30, but he impressed when winning a 1000m Cranbourne jumpout on December 23.
“He won the Coastal Classic and then we took him to Karaka, that bumped up his handicap and that’s made things trickier as well, but we’ve been very happy with the way he’s been racing, albeit not winning,” Turnbull said.
Holymanz is one of two Coastal Classic runners for Maher, who also has Night Endeavor (Shalaa) engaged.
The imported son of Shalaa finished off well when sixth of eight at his Australian debut, which was his first run since a tendon injury, and Turnbull said the Coastal Classic would bring him on for more suitable assignments down the track.
“That was obviously over a trip that well below his best but he showed good sharpness,” Turnbull said of the Aussie debut.
“Sometimes those rehabbers can come back pretty one-paced, but he doesn’t seem to have that at all.
“Once we get him up to 10 furlongs, that’s when you’ll see him at his best.”
Daniel Stackhouse has the ride on Night Endeavour, who has drawn barrier one, while Holymanz will jump from gate six with Saffie Osborne aboard.
