Maher pair in line for Flemington honours

The Ciaron Maher stable is banking on a benchmark 100 race at Flemington being a springboard to spring riches for an Irish-bred import. 

Zahrann and stablemate Shockletz run in the Flemington Community Plate (2000m) on Saturday with expectations of a spring campaign, especially for the former, to come later in the year. 

Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, said Zahrann had run an encouraging race first-up at Caulfield last month and was looking forward to seeing the entire step up to 2000m on Saturday. 

A Group 3 winner in Ireland, Zahrann lined up in Group 1 company in the Irish Champions Stakes last year before making his way to Australia. 

"His times from the 1000 (metres) to the winning post were the best in the race," Turnbull said of Zahrann's first-up performance. 

"He's come on plenty for the run and will enjoy soft ground. 

"He's the class horse and we've taken weight off his back with the claim for Jabez (Johnstone). 

"We want to give him a look at racing and get right into the system here, but then how far do we go now, I'm not sure, as you have to be thinking spring as that is ultimately his goal. 

"Potentially, if he was to win on Saturday, that could see him turned out for spring." 

The claim of Jabez Johnstone, who has ridden three city winners this week, will bring Zahrann into Saturday's race with 57kg. 

Shockletz will also benefit from the 1.5kg claim of her rider Logan Bates, getting into Saturday's race with 51.5kg. 

Turnbull said Shockletz will appreciate the rise to 2000m on Saturday after two runs from a spell and a last start fourth over 1800m at Sandown. 

"Her run last time had plenty of merit," Turnbull said. 

"She got too far back on the ground that day. She lost her action around the bend and down the dip and took a little time to wind up. 

"Her individual splits to the line, they were fairly compelling, but she had too much to do. 

"She's well on track and will be much better suited to the tempo of a 2000-metre race. 

"Ultimately, she's a mile-and-a-half horse plus, so the fact she ran so well fresh over a mile was an example of how well she's come back."