‘He’s in great order’: Trainer Grahame Begg eyes features in two states

With Maharba holding his form ahead of Saturday’s Hareeba Stakes at Mornington and Magic Time primed for the All Aged Stakes at Randwick, it could be a lucrative day for Grahame Begg.

Trainer Grahame Begg has Maharba “in great order” for the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington on Saturday despite being more than a month between races.

Maharba frustratingly missed a start in the Country Discovery as one of five emergencies balloted out of the $500,000 Good Friday feature at Yarra Valley last month.

Due to the tight country circuit, the rich Easter sprint was capped to only 12 starters.

Maharba’s omission forced Begg to run in a Cranbourne jumpout a fortnight ago.

The talented three-year-old led and won the 1000m heat comfortably under his own steam against older horses.

Maharba firmed into $4.60 favourite with TAB on Friday from Grand Impact ($5), Pintoff ($6.50), Jigsaw ($8.50), La Danseuse Rouge ($9.50) and The Inferno ($10).

Maharba’s trainer Grahame Begg. Picture: Brett Holburt / Racing Photos

• Mornington Cup preview: Brown eyes hometown win after missing out last year

Listed winner Pintoff, first start for the Ciaron Maher stable, has attracted steady support since the market opened last Wednesday, $21 into $6.50 third favourite.

Maharba, to be ridden by New Zealand Group 1 jockey Michael McNab, has barrier 12 of 15 to overcome on Saturday.

“He’s drawn awkwardly, that will be a bit problematic for him,” Begg said.

“It’s been a while between runs, but the horse is in great order, he’s held his form.”

Mahabra looked a winner in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes last start only to be overrun late by Brudenell.

Brudenell gets his first Stakes win in the Bel Esprit 🥇

Mark Zahra finishes with a treble on All-Star Mile day 👏 @Leesracingpic.twitter.com/MqZu4EjkHK

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) March 16, 2024

• Mornington Guineas preview: Hayes import chasing bigger bucks

He finished fourth first-up in the Group 3 Zeditive Stakes also at Caulfield.

Begg has Maharba aimed at the Wagga Town Plate on May 2 as the owners Garry and Marianne Towzell live in the Riverina city.

Begg also has Group 1-winner Magic Time in the All Aged Stakes on Saturday at Randwick and talented filly Miraval Rose in a 1400m Group 3 in Sydney.

Magic Time is third-up in the All Aged after runs in the Newmarket Handicap and TJ Smith Stakes.

“She’s in good shape,” Begg said of the $9 chance.

“She only got beaten a length the other day in the TJ Smith and got beaten two lengths in the Newmarket, she’s in good shape.

“It won’t be an easy race, none of them are, but we’re happy with her.”

Originally published as ‘He’s in great order’: Trainer Grahame Begg eyes features in two states