Money Maher Closes In On Elusive Win
Ben Pearce believes Money Maher is getting closer to scoring an elusive win and it could come as soon as Ascot on Saturday.
Coming off a long injury layoff, Money Maher is four runs into his Perth Cup campaign, but has been dogged by bad luck in nearly all his races.
Last start in the Towton Cup (2200m) he was held up in the straight and had no chance of posting his first win in 15-months.
The Al Maher six-year-old battled away for jockey Joe Azzopardi and finished in eighth position behind Trap For Fools.
Pearce, who shares a training partnership with his brother Dan, says if Money Maher gets any sort of luck in the Listed A.T.A Stakes (2200m), he will be right in the money.
“His runs this time in have been all good, he hasn’t been winning, but is racing well,” Pearce told The Races WA.
“He deserves a change of fortune and if he gets it I think he will go really well.
“In almost every race since he has come back it hasn’t gone exactly right for him.
“If he gets the luck, he is good enough to win it and the distance will suit.”
Money Maher flashed big potential as a three-year-old when he won the Roberts Stakes (1800m)-Melvista Stakes (2200m) double, but since the South Australian Derby (2500m) he has been cut down by two tendon injuries.
A $58,000 yearling, Money Maher has collected $348,400 in stake earnings after six wins and four placings from 23 starts.
He is one of nine starters in the A.T.A Stakes and has drawn barrier eight. Clint Johnston Porter is the new rider.
Money Maher is the $5 second favourite with Tabtouch. Neufbosc heads the market at $2.25.
Mystery Miss is $6 and Utgard Loki $8.50.
Julio Santarelli