The Winslow-raised, group one-winning trainer watched trackside as El Vincitore saluted in race two on day two of the three-day carnival.

Irish hoop John Allen steered El Vincitore, which is also trained by David Eustace, in the three-year-old maiden plate over 1700m.

Maher said the gelding showed promise.

"He's still putting it together, he's not fully rounded yet, he's still improving with each run and each outing," he said.

"It was a good plan that came off today. The owners, this group, have had great success.

"These colours have been going really well."

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Maher said he was pleased with Allen's ride on El Vincitore, which beat Iowa Hawkeye by half a length and Lucky Putus, which was a further 2.25 lengths behind in third.

"When he drew where he did...I said to Johnny 'you may as well make use of the gate'," he said.

"The track is a little bit testing and it's definitely hard to peel off and make ground.

"He rode it perfectly."

Allen said it was the ideal start to his busy day.

"It looks like I have a few good rides coming up today and it's good to get off the mark," he said.

"I'm busy enough on the flats and I have been trying to keep my weight down and I'm riding the Galleywood today so I'm hoping to get that one home."

Allen was aboard El Vincitore for the third time.

"He has progressed every run but there is still a bit more to go now but there is definitely a bit of potential there," he said.

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