Spectacular Storm and July have been Maher's other runners in the feature hurdle race of the carnival but he believes Big Blue has the credentials to win the 3200 metre race.

"He's in great order," Maher said. "The stable has had great success in the Brierly and Grand Annual but this race has eluded us I would have to say Big Blue's is my best chance so far of winning the Galleywood.

"I make no secret Big Blue has been set for this race. He's going to have to be at his best to win as this is a top hurdle field.

"Self Sense is the benchmark while Goodwood Zodiac has the unknown factor and then you have Lucques and Big Yangtze.

Godolphin parted ways with Big Blue, an out-of-form stayer after an unplaced run in the Ballarat Cup in November 2017. Maher noted something in the imported galloper and purchased it for stable clients which resulted in hurdle wins at Ballarat and Casterton in August and September before Big Blue won the $500,000 St Leger Stakes at Randwick in 2018.

Big Blue was originally trained in France by Andrew Fabre before being transferred to Godolphin.

Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, said Big Blue had improved from the experience of jumping last year.

"Big Blue is more seasoned," he said. "We've done lots of schooling and trialling with him in the off-season on the back of his two hurdle wins last year.

"His chances would be enhanced if the rains came as he's a superior wet tracker."

Top jumps jockey John Allen, who guided Regina Coeli to Grand Annual wins for Maher in 2015 and 2017 rides Big Blue in the Galleywood.

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