Ciaron Maher chasing elusive Blue Diamond with Counttheheadlights and Latizia

Talented babies Counttheheadlights and Latizia are primed to bolster the Blue Diamond hand of trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

Blue Diamond contender Counttheheadlights winning on debut at The Valley. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Top trainer Ciaron Maher wants to strengthen his Blue Diamond hand on Saturday at Caulfield, with Counttheheadlights and Latizia fancied in their respective Group 3 Preludes.

Counttheheadlights is a $4 TAB second favourite in a select colts and geldings’ pool, while Latizia trails Miss Roseiano ($4.40) and English Riviera ($4.80) as a $6.50 chance in the deep fillies’ division.

Despite making a habit of fielding Diamond contenders in recent seasons, Melbourne’s premier Group 1 for two-year-olds has eluded the powerhouse Maher and David Eustace combination.

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Big burly colt Counttheheadlights debuted last month with an imposing win at The Valley.

“You could see he was still a little bit green, the race worked out well for him, he broke well and travelled, and that was probably the key,” Maher said.

“He was a little keen when he quickened up late but all better for the experience and he seems to be a bit sharper in his work since then.

“They’re always tough (the Preludes but) I’m pretty happy with him.”

Latizia, who won brilliantly at Flemington on debut, has lost no admirers with a tough third in the Blue Diamond Preview.

The Capitalist filly meets Preview winner Miss Roseiano at level weights on Saturday after carrying 2kg more last start.

Latizia can improve on her Preview run in the Prelude. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

“We were probably a fraction soft on her, she‘s definitely better for that run, she’s thriving in work,” Maher said.

“I wouldn’t rule her out … getting back to level weights is a big help for her.”

The Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes – February 26 at Caulfield – has eluded the stable in the past.

Enthaar finished sixth as favourite in the Blue Diamond last year.

Away Game (fourth) was the best of a six-pronged 2020 attack, while Loving Gaby ran sixth in 2019.

Fancied Jukebox was withdrawn with lameness on the eve of the 2017 Blue Diamond.

The past results matter not anymore, with Maher committed to refining his work every year.

“I think this year we have managed our two-year-olds (better), we haven‘t raced that many and the ones we have raced have all performed very, very well,” Maher said.

The Maher-Eustace nursery has fielded 26 babies this season for nine winners and six placings.

The stable prepared 154 two-year-old starters last season for 24 winners and 42 placings.

“It’s only natural progression, but you’re always refining and finding ways to do things better.

“We’ll crack it (Blue Diamond) and hopefully it’s this year.”

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Originally published as Ciaron Maher chasing elusive Blue Diamond with Counttheheadlights and Latizia