Ciaron Maher's impressive season with two-year-olds has gained another exciting prospect, with Unit Five announcing himself as a serious Magic Millions Classic contender after a commanding debut victory at Caulfield Heath on Saturday.
Dominant Debut Secures Golden Ticket
The promising colt, starting as the $2.60 favourite, lived up to expectations with a front-running display in the Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic over 1200 metres. Jumping cleanly from barrier one under jockey Thomas Stockdale, Unit Five established an early lead and never looked back, fending off a determined challenge from Ko Phangan in the straight.
Invincible Son and Oman filled the minor placings to round out the top four. The win came just six days after the horse trialled successfully at Cranbourne, showcasing his remarkable recovery and professionalism.
Maher's System Firing on All Cylinders
Trainer Ciaron Maher was understandably thrilled with the performance, praising both the horse and his team. "It was an easy watch, wasn't it?" Maher remarked post-race. "I'm just rapt in the horse's progression. We normally wouldn't trial them that close, but he seems to find things easy."
Maher highlighted the success of his stable's system, noting this was his fourth pre-Christmas two-year-old winner for the season. "I can't thank my team enough... this time of year, the two-year-olds are what it's all about," he added.
Onward to the Gold Coast
The victory saw Unit Five's odds for the rich Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast on January 17 firm dramatically from $15 into $7. Maher confirmed the colt, named in honour of late Widden Stud manager Dave 'Unit Five' Merrick, is now aimed at the feature race.
"This bloke, timing wise, we thought we could then send him to Sydney and then he would be on the right leg for the Millions," Maher explained. "But we'll see how he comes through... he's just so professional." He also gave a special shout-out to the ownership group, stating, "The Widden Stud boys will be alive and well today."
Jockey and Rival Trainer Reactions
Winning rider Thomas Stockdale, who also piloted Warnie to victory in the $1 million Supernova recently, was full of praise for the colt's attitude and potential. "He was proactive from the barrier and absorbed that pressure from the outside which isn't easy to do as a young horse," Stockdale said. "It was great to see him extend off the bridle... I think he will improve, he's still very raw, but he has the natural talent."
The runner-up, Ko Phangan, trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, made a significant effort in the straight but could not bridge the gap to the winner, who responded strongly when challenged.
Maher's Magic Millions Arsenal
Unit Five now joins stablemate Tornado Valley, winner of the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate, in Maher's squad targeting the lucrative Magic Millions Classic next month. This dual-pronged attack underscores the powerful form of the Maher stable with juveniles this season and sets the stage for a thrilling summer of racing on the Gold Coast.
