Ciaron Maher Racing strengthen team before the Spring Racing Carnival

The September arrivals from Europe to put in your notebook ahead of the start of the 2023 Spring Carnival action.

The Spring Racing Carnival's on the horizon, with trainers adding to their teams with imports from racing in Europe. The team of Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace have been busy, with some newcomers to their yard who boast strong Royal Ascot form.

The eight arrivals are of varied ability, so we've split them into groups to make it easier for you to assess their quality. They will be arriving in September, so you can look to hit the horse racing bookmakers for six when they make the track in the spring.

Group Class Horses

Light Infantry

He has already had one run for Maher and Eustace, a two-length sixth in the XXXX Golden Eagle at Rosehill last October. Enjoyed a successful time back in Europe for David Simcock, a close second in the Prix d'Ispahan before third in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, both Group 1 races. His form at the highest level makes him a Cox Plate possible.

New Energy

Another who could have the Cox Plate on his radar. Runner-up in the 2022 Irish 2000 Guineas, he has not hit that level in a pair of starts in 2023. Versatile regarding the ground, he's been gelded since last in race action. 

Saint George

Second in the Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot in June over 2800m, the grey is a head-down grinder who promises to stay the 3200m Melbourne Cup trip. He's had just six starts in his career, so is a thoroughly unexposed type for those who enjoy horse racing betting online to keep on the right side of.

Zoology

Another with placed form at Royal Ascot earlier this year. Zoology was runner-up in the 1400m Jersey Stakes. That was a career-best run by quite some margin, coming on the fastest turf than he had run on. A firm surface may also see him to the best effect here.

Listed Performers

Circle Of Fire

Formerly owned by The King, he is politely described as quirky. Behind Saint George at Royal Ascot, he has plenty of solid Listed form to his credit. He has come home strongly over 2400m but didn't look to stay 2800m in that contest. He has flattered to deceive so far, but new surroundings might be precisely what he requires. 

Goldenstatewarrior

The one with the most untapped potential, having only had three races in his life. A winner on his first start, he has been given a pair of demanding tasks in Group 3 and Listed company since. The Listed winner was Gregory, who won the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot, beating Saint George and Circle Of Fire, so his form ties in with that pair.

Handicappers

Nails Murphy

Both wins have come over 1400m, including a minor handicap at Haydock when last seen. Too keen to last home over 1600m when trying that trip - the shorter distance should be his target in early runs here. His dam was a 2400m winner for dual Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Dermot Weld, so perhaps he'll stay further as he matures. 

WaggaWagga

The weakest of the eight on paper, plying his trade in modest handicaps. His wins in 2022 came over 2400m and 2650m, but he's been below that level in a pair of 2023 starts. The switch to new surroundings might have a positive effect, and there are few better than Maher and Eustace for getting the best out of their charges.  

An exciting bunch is joining the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace team, and a couple of top-notch performers will have big Spring Carnival targets on their radar. Take note now so you know the names when they appear on your betting apps in the future.