FOR a trainer of the calibre of Ciaron Maher to rate the win of Away Game in the $2 Magic Million Classic as one of his most satisfying victories in his training career shows how significant the racing action is on the Gold Coast for the week.
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Despite drifting in the betting Away Game gave Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, his first win in the Classic when the lightly raced two-year-old beat Stellar Pauline and Conceited over 1200 metres.
"I must admit I got a bit emotional after Away Game won," the multiple group one-winning trainer told The Standard.
"I think I got caught up in all the emotion of the week. It's a huge week inspecting yearlings and then going to the sales and buying them.
"There's a lot of pressure going on behind the scenes with various functions and other things on. Away Game's win is a great result for our stable.
"It's a wonderful reward for all the hard work put in by our staff and it's tremendous result for Away Game's owners."
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The four-time Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase-winning trainer said he rated Away Game's chances strongly despite her drawing a wide barrier.
"She's a nice type of filly," Maher said. "She's not overly big but she's got a great motor. Her trackwork up here was exceptional and I was not over concerned with the wide barrier.
"I though she would run well. It was a top ride by Luke Currie."
Away Game was sold for $425,000 at last year's Magic Millions sale and is raced by a syndicate of women.
Away Game's victory was the second leg of a Gold Coast double for the Maher-Eustace stable. They won a $250,000 race with Etana earlier in the day.
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