Ciaron Maher and Declan Bates have combined with Herman Hesse to take out the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, which has also given Maher his first win in the 2400m contest.
With a golden ticket for the Caulfield Cup on offer for the winner of the Herbert Power, the ticket will become null and void as Herman Hesse is not nominated for the Caulfield Cup.
Okita Sushi and Gear Up led the field along at a moderate tempo, while Herman Hesse, Dashing Duchess and Aurora’s Symphony held strong positions behind the speed and received economical runs throughout.
Jye McNeil took off from the back of the field on Post Impressionist at the 800m mark and joined the leaders with 600m to go, which injected more speed into the race, but it didn’t bother Okita Sushi and Herman Hesse as they gave a strong kick on the home bend.
Fancy Man and Brayden Star appeared as though they were going to challenge at the 300m mark, but the winner was never in trouble as he cruised over the line to record a 1.25-length win.
Ciaron Maher spoke about the win post-race.
“Herman can mix his form, but credit to the girls, Aaron, and the team down at Fingal,” Maher said.
“He was about 50 kilos, 60 kilos overweight, and just bowling up and down the sandhills there.
“You know, he’s a big, strong horse that takes a lot of work, and he just found his niche down there, can’t thank them enough.
“He’s a horse that requires a higher level of work as a big, strong gelding, you know, and he gets that.
“They just do more work there. Every day they do less galloping, and he seems to be thriving on it.
“He can just chip his way through…there’ s been plenty of times where the owners have been like, oh, Herman this and Herman that. But, you know, I’m glad he’s put a couple together.
“He’s probably in career best form. He looks fantastic annd they’re going to have a great rest of the spring carnival as well.”
Declan Bates was very happy with the win, and he spoke post-race.
“Look, he’s a lovely horse,” Bates said.
“He has his quirks, but he’s hitting some good form now. So when these stayers of Ciaron’s, when they’re up and about, they really hold their form well.
“So I was really confident from the good gate he’d be right in the mix here. And as it happened, he won really well.
“I think I’m blowing more than him. He can get a little keen in the run, so it’s a bit of a balancing act just getting him to switch off.
“But as you said, he could have done another lap.
“But yeah, he’s a nice horse. And even though he’s eight years old, he’s almost improved his prep, you know, so a good win.”
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