In a bold move to strengthen his stable, Ciaron Maher’s Head of Bloodstock, Will Bourne, has returned from Europe with four high-profile acquisitions. This latest haul includes some exciting prospects poised to make their mark in Australia’s Spring Carnival, building on the success of previous standout purchases like Circle Of Fire and Light Infantry.
Royal Supremacy headlines the new recruits. Currently trained by Andrew Balding, the colt was runner-up in the G3 Bahrain Trophy on July 11 and placed third in the G2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. “He finished second in the Bahrain Trophy two weeks ago,” Bourne explained. “We will try and sneak him into a Caulfield Cup.”
Sayedaty Sadaty, another Balding-trained horse, is now under David Simcock’s care. He’ll run next Thursday at Goodwood. An Epsom Derby fifth placegetter, Sayedaty Sadaty is a $34 chance with bookmakers for the Caulfield Cup. “He hasn’t taken a backward step and he’s ready to go,” Bourne noted.
Pentle Bay, purchased for Β£400,000 (AUD$768,330), finished second in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. Bourne sees potential in him for the Caulfield Guineas or Carbine Club Stakes.
Juja Kibo, an Irish maiden winner at Ballinrobe in June, completes the quartet.
All four horses will fly to Australia on September 14, gearing up for the Spring Carnival.