CIARON Maher trained his 17th group one winner and his seventh with training partner David Eustace when their imported galloper Sir Dragonet won the $1.5 million Tancred Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
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Having his sixth start for the powerful training combination, Saturday's victory is Sir Dragonet's second group one in Australia, it follows on from his win in last years W.S. Cox Plate.
Maher told The Standard Sir Dragonet will now be set for the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on April 17. The five-year-old stallion will tackle top class gallopers Verry Elleegant and Addeybb in the classic race over 2000 metres.
"It's pretty special to train another group one winner," the Winslow training export told The Standard. "Group one racing is the pinnacle in Australia. David and I are lucky we've got great staff across our training operations.
"The stable couldn't have the success it achieves without great staff.
"I thought it was a top win by Sir Dragonet. His fourth placing in the Ranvet last week was very good. He appeared to be a bit fresh there but he was more relaxed for the Tancred.
"Our team at Warwick Farm have done a great job with Sir Dragonet. We're looking forward to the Queen Elizabeth. It's going to be a tough contest because your up against the likes of Verry Elleegant and Addeybb. There both very good horses.
"I'm pretty confident with this run under his belt going forward Sir Dragonet should be improved even further going into the Queen Elizabeth."
Sir Dragonet's stablemate Southern France ran seventh in the Tancred and heads towards the $2 million Sydney Cup at Randwick on April 17.
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