\u201cChris runs a pretty slick operation, and it\u2019s not something you sort of worry about or can control, a premiership,\u201d Maher said. \u201cIt\u2019s more making sure your staff are engaged, the culture is right and you are getting those one-percenters, which in turn lead to winners.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you are running business like Chris\u2019 and ours, that sort of thing [premiership] takes care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heading into the final Saturday of the season, Maher is looking to Hi Dubai and Sacred Rocks to push their claims for a shot at early season stakes races.<\/p>\n
Sacred Rocks was a $2.35 Sportsbet favourite in the seventh, a 1300m benchmark 78 handicap, after a first then second in similar races at Rosehill. The four-year-old mare started the campaign with victory at Sale and has finished top-two in all six career starts.<\/p>\n
The two-kilogram claim of apprentice Anna Roper means Sacred Rocks carries a kilogram less than her most recent start, but she again has a wide draw.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m rapt with that horse,\u201d Maher said. \u201cIt\u2019s drawn awkward again, but I think it should get through its grades a little bit more. It wouldn\u2019t surprise me if it got a bit of black-type at some stage. We might try to pinch something early in the spring, while it\u2019s got a bit of fitness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lugh ($13), with Tommy Berry aboard from gate seven, is also in the race. He was fourth at Randwick last start when first-up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis off-season type of race is where it\u2019s at and with the right run, it will be thereabouts,\u201d Maher said.<\/p>\n
He has also used the claim of Roper with Hi Dubai, a $9.50 chance in the eighth, a benchmark 88 handicap over 1100m. The five-year-old was a last-start winner at Rosehill.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt did a good job to win the other day,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was under siege and it\u2019s got a bit of determination that horse. It has a crack. She would be one you would try to pinch a bit of black type with as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
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His other runners are Nana\u2019s Wish ($9) and Piggyback ($7) in the sixth, a benchmark 78 for fillies and mares over 1800m.<\/p>\n
\u201cNana\u2019s Wish is in at Doomben as well and either race would suit. It\u2019s drawn well in both,\u201d he said. \u201cShe\u2019s going well, and she\u2019s very honest and thrives off a bit of moisture. Piggyback has been a little bit unlucky. I think the trip is ideal and she\u2019s never far away.\u201d<\/p>\n