Recently acquired by the Grahame Begg stable, Maharba started a $3.20 favourite in the Talindert Stakes and aptly put away his rivals in style to secure a strong victory first-up.
The two-year-old out of Pride Of Dubai produced an electric turn-of-foot to go straight past the leader Princess Duhallow who crossed them all to lead on the inside running rail.
Hell Queen stayed on well late into second while Tacito ran solidly into third under Damien Oliver.
This time it was all about the winner Maharba ridden by Damian Lane who later in his post-race interview would count himself luck. As originally booked jockeys Michael Dee and Jordan Childs are both suspended.
It was the first career win for Maharba, whose form continues to be franked running in behind Barber on November 5, who is now a clear favourite for next weekends Blue Diamond Stakes.
2023 Talindert Stakes Replay
New trainer Grahame Begg was elated post-race with his newly acquired gelding.
“I like how he dug in deep at the finish,” said Begg
“At the 200m mark he sort of hadn't really gone for him, but he (Lane) sort of had to help him go through his gears. I think the horse is pretty untapped to be truthful.
“Now he's had the run up the straight, there was a plan to come here and get that experience, cause you never know later In the year, you never know he might be in a Coolmore or something like that.
“He's ticked that box. He's a very nice horse and I think there's a lot of upside.”
Begg was direct about where Maharba will find himself next with Sydney the likely destination.
“We've got two options, we either go to the Todman (Stakes) into Slipper (Golden Slipper). Or wait and go to the Pago Pago (Stakes) and might be more a Sire Produce type horse.”
Damien Lane spoke about his luck to pick up such a key booking for the Talindert and how much upside Maharba has moving forward.
“Very fortunate to pick-up the ride obviously,” said Lane.
“Sometimes it's right place at the right time and just a lovely horse to deal with. They're obviously still learning about him and getting him to do things properly, but he's getting there.
“He knuckled down to the task and was strong to the line. He just floated a bit there mid-race. I think what he's shown, he'll keen getting better with time.