Written by Paul Vettise
A trip to New Zealand hasn’t been ruled out by co-trainer Ciaron Maher for the multiple stakes winning entire Cliff’s Edge (Canford Cliffs {Ire}).
The talented 5-year-old holds a nomination for the G1 Tarzino Trophy to be run over 1400 metres on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay carnival on August 31 and he is also entered for the 1600 metres G1 Windsor Park Plate three later and the G1 Livamol Classic over 2040m on October 5.
Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, has an open mind on the spring direction he will take with the former Darren Weir-trained Cliff’s Edge with a trip across the Tasman a possibility.
“It’s still on the radar, he’s a chance, and I’m very happy with the horse,” he said.
Cliff’s Edge made his first appearance for Maher and Eustace when he finishes third behind Scales Of Justice (Not A Single Doubt) in the G3 Bletchingly S. at Caulfield off the back of a trial and a jump-out.
“It was a good run first-up and he's a big colt that has been off the scene for a while. He’s still improving fitness-wise,” Maher said. “He’s bright and well, he’s in good order.”
“It was a good run first-up and he's a big colt that has been off the scene for a while.” – Ciaron Maher.
Maher will make a final call on the spring programme of Cliff’s Edge after he steps out at Caulfield on Saturday week.
“He’ll probably run in the PB Lawrence S. and we’ll make a decision after that what we do with him,” he said. “If he stays here there’s the Toorak H. and the Sir Rupert Clarke S., there’s a lot of options to think about.”
Millionaire earner Cliff’s Edge has proved to be a grand money-spinner after he was purchased out of Bucklee Farm’s 2016 draft at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale for $60,000 by Weir and John Foote Bloodstock.
Cliff's Edge as a yearling
He is a son of Simulation (Snadee), whose eight foals to race have all won, and she is out of an unraced half-sister to the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner All Along (Fr) (Targowice {USA}).
Cliff’s Edge has won eight of his 23 starts, including the G2 Alister Clark S., the G2 Crystal Mile and the G3 Manfred S.
Youngster impressing
Meanwhile, Maher has been pleased by the progress being made by the expensive brother to the now retired star sprinter Merchant Navy (Fastnet Rock).
“He’s in training and he’s a lovely horse. He’s pretty similar to the brother, maybe a bit stronger at the same stage,” he said.
"He’s pretty similar to the brother, maybe a bit stronger at the same stage.” - Ciaron Maher
“The brother wasn’t an early 2-year-old and this one gives the indication he’ll be earlier. He’s been really straight forward and he’s doing well.”
Maher trained Merchant Navy to win his first four starts, including the G3 McNeill S., before his suspension and the colt subsequently claimed the G1 Coolmore Stud S. from Aaron Purcell’s stable.
He was then sent to Ireland to Irish training supremo Aidan O’Brien, who produced him to win the G2 Greenlands S. ahead of victory in the G1 Diamond Jubilee S. and he was subsequently retired to Coolmore.
The full brother to Merchant Navy as a yearling
Offered by Segenhoe Stud, Merchant Navy’s brother was a $2.3 million Inglis Sydney Yearling Sale for Aquis with their dam the G3 Sweet Embrace S. winner and multiple Group 1 placegetter Legally Bay (Snippets). She is a half-sister to the G1 Myer Classic winner Bonaria (Redoute’s Choice) and the G3 Illawarra 2YO Classic winner Time Out (Rory’s Jester).
