MELBOURNE CUP CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF FOR THE KING’S STAYER

Gilded Water (Dylan Browne McMonagle) trained by Ciaron Maher & owned by King Charlkes III represented by racing manager John warren at Randwick on December 21, 2024 - photo by Martin King/Sportpix copyright

CIARON Maher is approaching the return of the royally owned Gilded Water in the BM100 at Sandown Hillside with an expectation it’s the start of a plan which culminates in the 2026 Melbourne Cup.

Gilded Water is owned by His Majesty The King and Maher said he’s privileged to have such an association.

Maher said he’s chuffed to have contact with King Charles 111 and Queen Camilla and they have also sent him other horses to train.

Last spring, Gilded Water emerged as a Melbourne Cup contender, but he over-raced when he led in The Bart Cummings when he was trying to win a spot in it.

He held on to finish third, but Maher said that was a taxing run and he felt the effects of it even when he finished second at his next start in the Geelong Cup.

After not getting a start in the Melbourne Cup, Maher decided to spell Gilded Water and he looked impressive winning a recent trial at Caulfield Heath over 1400m.

Maher will give Gilded Water a couple of starts over winter before bringing him back for the spring.

Maher doesn’t think there will be a problem getting Gilded Water qualified for the Melbourne Cup and as he pointed out, if he doesn’t get in, he shouldn’t be in the race.

Maher’s other runner in the BM100 (1800m) is the promising staying mare Shockletz, who could also be a Melbourne Cup contender.

Shockletz, who will only carry 52 kilos after the 1.5 kilos claim for Logan Bates, is second-up from a spell.

Unibet can’t split them as they are $2.70 equal favourites.