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The 2026 Naturalism Stakes results at Caulfield delivered a major boost to the spring cup aspirations of emerging import Zahrann, with the Ciaron Maher-trained favourite stamping himself as a genuine 2026 Caulfield Cup contender after a commanding victory in Saturday’s ballot-exemption race on Underwood Stakes Day.
Starting the $3.20 favourite in this year’s Group 3 $200,000 Naturalism Stakes (2000m), the son of Night Of Thunder produced a polished staying performance under Ethan Brown, settling perfectly in transit before unleashing a superior turn of foot to defeat stablemate Saint George ($3.60) by a length, with Asterix ($26) a half-neck away in third.
The victory not only delivered Zahrann his first Australian black-type success but also secured the prized ballot exemption into the Group 1 $6.55 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17, joining Saint George in what is shaping as a powerful two-pronged assault by the Maher stable on the Melbourne spring feature.
Maher, who chases his third Caulfield Cup trophy in 2026 following his previous victories in the mile-and-a-half classic with Jamkea (2016) and Duke De Sessa (2024), was delighted with the performance and confirmed both runners had achieved their immediate objective.
“I think that qualifies them both today so fantastic,” Maher told Racing Victoria.
“Saint George just needed to qualify and Zahrann is a very, very good horse.”
The Cranbourne horseman revealed he had long held a high opinion of the Irish import, whose European form included victories in the Royal Whip Stakes and King George V Cup, while a runner-up finish in Ascot’s Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes highlighted his quality before arriving in Australia.
“Ozzie was very upbeat when he was able to purchase him,” Maher said.
“I spent some time with Johnny Murtagh, who was his former trainer, and he gave me a pretty good rundown on him.
“They’re always better their second preparation and he’s going to get into the Cup on a beautiful weight.”
Maher also praised Brown’s ride and hinted the five-year-old entire may still have another lead-up run before tackling the Caulfield Cup.
“Beautiful ride by Browny, in that sweet spot where you want to be,” he said.
“He probably doesn’t have to run again, but it is a fairly light preparation.
“I’d probably like to give him another run before the Caulfield Cup and possibly onto a Melbourne Cup as well.”
The world’s richest handicap race, the famous Group 1 $10.2 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) runs at Flemington on Tuesday November 3, and the Naturalism Stakes winner Zahrann has firmed in from $21 to $13 to take out the two-mile classic.
Melbourne Cup 2026 Odds
| 1. Aeliana | ||
| 2. Defiantly | ||
| 3. Half Yours | ||
| 4. Zahrann | ||
| 5. Green Spaces |
Meanwhile, Maher was equally proud of runner-up Saint George, whose return to form follows a lengthy battle with a foot condition that once threatened his racing future.
“Saint George is a stable favourite,” he said.
“I thought he wouldn’t get back to the races at one stage, but the team down at Fingal have done a super job with him.
“He’ll take his place (in the Caulfield Cup field) as well.”
Winning jockey Ethan Brown was glowing in his assessment of Zahrann, suggesting the lightly raced stayer is only now beginning to fulfil his potential in Australia.
“He gets you excited; that’s for sure. It’s what you get out of bed for in the morning,” he said.
“He was primed today and had a lovely run in transit. I had to trust the horse because I knew he had the turn of foot and he proved that today.
“They’re pure quality horses and he’s just coming into his own in Australia now.”
Bookmakers were quick to react to the dominant display, with Ladbrokes slashing Zahrann’s 2026 Caulfield Cup odds from $26 into $5 favouritism, as he looks to emulate Half Yours, who completed the Naturalism Stakes-Caulfield Cup double last spring.
The market support was mirrored for Saint George, who firmed dramatically from $34 into $9 following his brave runner-up effort to sit on the second line of Caulfield Cup betting.
Caulfield Cup 2026 Odds
With a ballot-free passage into the race, an ideal weight profile, and the backing of Australia’s premier Cups stable, Zahrann has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Caulfield Cup, while Saint George remains firmly in the mix as Maher’s stable continues to dominate the staying ranks this spring.
