First Group 1 performer for Al Maher

JUNE 6, 2010: The Michael Moroney-trained Marheta failed by half-a-neck to give Al Maher his first Group 1 winner when finishing the closest of seconds in the 2010 QTC Queensland Oaks (2400m) staged at Eagle Farm.

Sent out a $5 second favourite of the 3-year-old fillies Classic, Marheta raced three or four horses wide for most of the contest before booting to a clear advantage at the top of straight and appearing the very likely winner. However, the final 100 metres of the contest subsequently witnessed 30/1 outsider Miss Keepsake produce a powerful late finish and just manage to overhaul Marheta in the shadows of the post.

Marheta’s Kiwi trainer said after the contest: “My filly hit the lead a long way out but at the 150 metres I thought she would hold on.” Moroney then confirmed that the first-crop daughter of Al Maher would back-up in next Saturday’s Group 1 QTC Queensland Derby conducted over the same course and distance.

In running second in the QTC Oaks, Marheta became Al Maher’s first Group 1 performer. She is also one of three Group winning fillies produced in Al Maher’s first crop to race along with Majestic Music and Speedy Natalie.

With over $2.5 million in progeny earnings since the beginning of the current season, only High Chaparral (Ire), Fastnet Rock and Shamardal (USA) are ahead of the Emirates Park stallion on the Second Season Sires listing of 2009/10. Significantly, the respective 2010 service fee for each is $88,000, $137,500 and $66,000, while Al Maher is available at just $28,600 (inc. GST).