Ciaron Maher has strong hand at Flemington including Ruling in Bagot Handicap and Unusual Culture in Chester Manifold

Ciaron Maher has a strong hand at Flemington on New Year’s Day with fancied runners in both the Listed Bagot Handicap and Listed Chester Manifold Stakes.

Ruling arrived in time to win last start at Caulfield. Picture: Brett Holburt–Racing Photos

Ruling promises to again be a nervous watch for punters and connections alike in the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) on Monday at Flemington.

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained former international arrived in the nick of time to win at Caulfield last start and similar circumstances, win, lose or draw, are expected on New Year’s Day.

“He’s a classy horse, he doesn’t fully apply himself so we need to ride him as we did last time,” Maher said.

“Ride for luck, if you get it, it’s going to be a race like last time and he’s never going to win by a margin.”

Ruling is a $4.80 second favourite with TAB behind Glentaneous.

He surged from last at Caulfield to blouse Fire Glo Too in a 2400m race under a vigorous and ground-saving ride from jockey John Allen.

“You saw when he hit the line the ears were pricked,” Maher said.

“You’ve almost got to ride him like that, if you loop them he’ll hit the front and have a look, so you’ve got to ride him for luck, it’s always going to be heart in your mouth.

“If you get it (right), good, if you don’t, he’s not going to win any other way.”

Maher enlisted in-form Jamie Kah for Ruling with Allen suspended until January 3 and Dylan Browne McMonagle, an equally robust rider, unable to make the required 54kg weight.

“Johnny is ideal for him because he needs to be organised, I thought Dylan would be ideal, (but) Jamie is great, she’s found her mojo, she’s in good form,” Maher said.

Kah bookended the Randwick card in Sydney last Saturday with two good winners for Godolphin.

Ruling has yet to win beyond 2400m but finished fourth twice in Ireland at 3383m and 3332m.

He placed ninth in a Group 2 Queen’s Vase (2847m), beaten seven lengths, during the 2021 Royal Ascot Carnival.

“He’s a good horse, it’s just about getting it out of him,” Maher said of the future Adelaide or Sydney Cups contender.

“He’s at a rating now, it (Listed race) is a jump ratings wise, class wise probably not.”

Maher has eight starters at Flemington including Unusual Culture, a $4 favourite in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m).

Unusual Culture placed third in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes at Caulfield on December 2.

“Rapt with her, I think she’s in great order,” Maher said.

“She’s worked through the grades and she’s at a rating now where she’s at that (stakes) level.

“She’s fit, had a couple of runs, developed from last prep and when those mares keep developing they usually keep improving and she’s still developing.”

Browne McMonagle, a Group 1 winner in Ireland, will ride three of the Maher and David Eustace-trained runners at Flemington in his farewell Melbourne meeting.

Browne McMonagle was set to stay until the end of January but a 16-meeting careless riding suspension triggered an opportune Gold Coast Magic Millions holiday and early return home. Maher hailed Browne McMonagle’s skill, work ethic and professionalism the past five weeks.

“Just a class act, he’s phenomenal to have around the stable and he’s a very talented rider,” Maher said.

“He’s really enjoyed his time here and I’ve certainly enjoyed having him, he’s only young but I’d say you’ll see him travelling around (the world) like a (Tom) Marquand or Ryan Moore.”

Originally published as Ciaron Maher has strong hand at Flemington including Ruling in Bagot Handicap and Unusual Culture in Chester Manifold