Ciaron Maher galloper Nugget gets his chance to strike gold in Cranbourne Cup
A drop in class and distance can help the Ciaron Maher-trained Nugget end a near two-year drought at Cranbourne on Saturday.
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Cranbourne Cup contender Nugget has an opportunity to strike on Saturday with conditions to suit.
A drop in class and distance, coupled with fast ground, should benefit the Ciaron Maher galloper.
Nugget has raced well in much higher grades but gone almost two years without a win.
The eight-year-old placed third in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley two starts back.
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Nugget, rated a $12 chance with Ladbrokes, finished last in the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) last start.
Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said Nugget’s best would be well up to the Cranbourne Cup.
“I guess with him it’s a matter of he needs a kill,” Turnbull said.
“He’s run some bloody good races (past two years), he’s yet to put the head in front at the right time.
“He is going well and if he gets the right luck in running he’s obviously well up to it.”
• Early Oil: $61 blowout chance on Cranbourne Cup day
Nugget emerged as a horse to follow this time two years ago, with three wins culminating in the Listed Lord Stakes on Boxing Day.
He placed third last year in both the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes and Group 1 Doncaster Mile.
Nugget has mixed form since but placed fourth in the Doncaster earlier in the year.
“He generally needs a lot of pressure because he over travels,” Turnbull said.
“He’s getting to a point where we need to lower our sights a touch because he’s not getting it done, but there’s plenty of options there.”
Reigning Cranbourne Cup winner Maher has four in the feature, including Running By ($7.50), Cosmic Vega ($34) and Flash Flood ($41).
Maher has strong representation on the undercard as well, with Duke Of Condicote in The Lester (2025), Nadal in The Meteorite (1200m) and Igotcha in the Shooting Stars (1500m).
Originally published as Ciaron Maher galloper Nugget gets his chance to strike gold in Cranbourne Cup
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