Ciaron Maher is hoping Shanwah can secure his third win in the Group 1 ATC Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday, with the trainer relying on a proven preparation for the talented three-year-old.
Shanwah’s Derby campaign mirrors that of Maher-trained runners Global Exchange and Ruthven.
Like Shanwah, Global Exchange won the Group 2 Autumn Classic (1800m) and Group 2 Alister Clark (2040m) before finishing sixth in the 2019 Derby, while Ruthven was fourth to Jon Snow two years earlier.
“I brought him through the same path as a horse called Global Exchange, who ran sixth. He didn’t handle the wet,” Maher said.
“And another horse, Ruthven, ran fourth. I took them through the same path. I think he is better than those horses. Any sort of track wouldn’t worry him. He just keeps stepping up each time he runs.”
Maher believes Shanwah has the right blend of class and stamina to win on Saturday and, having begun his career in Sydney, is accustomed to racing in the clockwise direction.
“He has been very good his last two and has won by a space both times,” the trainer said.
“He has had a prep up here before so he is no stranger to this way of going. Class counts for a lot in these three-year-old races and he’s got a lot of that.”
Shanwah will jump from gate four with Blake Shinn on board.
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