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Royal Supremacy has thrust himself into the centre of this spring’s staying picture after producing a powerful performance in Sunday’s $200,000 Group 3 JRA Cup (2000m) at Caulfield, giving trainer Ciaron Maher yet another leading contender for next month’s 2026 Caulfield Cup.

The Irish-bred five-year-old, sent out a $4.80 equal favourite despite carrying the 60kg topweight, justified the confidence with a commanding display under Mark Zahra, defeating Future History ($11) by three-quarters of a length, while fellow equal favourite See That Storm finished a further three lengths away in third.

The victory continued a strong campaign for the former The Metropolitan winner, who stopped the clock in 2:04.36 and showcased the staying quality that has seen him develop into one of Australia’s most reliable middle-distance performers.

Maher was full of praise for the gelding post-race, revealing the imported stayer continues to improve with maturity.

“It was a beautiful ride,” Maher told Racing Victoria.

“He’s been a work in progress. He gets a little better each preparation.

“He had a great winter and physically he’s stronger and bigger. I think that’s because each prep he gets easier on himself and carries a bit more condition.”

Having considered a run in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes, Maher said the decision to bypass that race in favour of the JRA Cup had paid dividends.

“We had him in the Naturalism but thought we’d pivot and go here and it’s been a good call,” he said.

“You can see looking at him, he looks a million dollars. The team have done a super job and with each passing prep he gets a little more sensible.”

Royal Supremacy is now likely to step up to the mile and a half for the Group 1 $6.55 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) back at the track on October 17, a race Maher has won twice in recent history with Jameka (2016) and Duke De Sessa (2024).

The performance immediately sparked a significant market reaction in 2026 Caulfield Cup betting, with Ladbrokes slashing Royal Supremacy’s Caulfield Cup odds from $26 into $9 following the victory.

The move further strengthens Maher’s already formidable grip on the market for the opening leg of the Spring Cups’ double.

The leading trainer now holds the top three positions in futures Caulfield Cup betting, headed by Naturalism Stakes winner Zahrann ($5 favourite) and Naturalism runner-up Saint George ($8 second favourite), with Royal Supremacy now joining the stablemates prominently among the market leaders.

Despite Royal Supremacy’s impressive win, Maher indicated Zahrann remains his top pick for the Caulfield Cup.

“I think between Zahrann and Saint George, probably Zahrann,” he said.

“There wasn’t much between them the other day.”

Winning jockey Zahra was equally encouraged by the gelding’s performance and believes there is further improvement to come as the distances increase.

“His work was really good here on Tuesday morning,” he said.

“He’s grown up a lot. He used to want to be keen and pull.”

Zahra credited lessons learned during the Brisbane winter carnival for helping unlock the horse’s potential.

“In Brisbane, we found the key to him. If you let him go at the speed he wants to go, he relaxes,” he added.

The champion rider was impressed by the turn of foot Royal Supremacy displayed to put the race away.

“I was surprised Future History got that close with the way he quickened, but it was a good win,” Zahra said.

“He’s really come on, this horse.

“He didn’t have long after Brisbane so Ciaron has kept him ticking over and he’s got the good 2400-metre form, so he’ll only improve.”

A winner of the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) last spring and the Group 2 The Q22 (2200m) earlier this year, Royal Supremacy now appears ideally placed to make his presence felt during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival‘s biggest staying features.

With Maher boasting an enviable trio of leading Cups hopes headed by Zahrann, Saint George, and now Royal Supremacy, the powerhouse stable is shaping as the one to beat ahead of the 2026 Caulfield Cup on October 17.

The latest JRA Cup winner may have entered the race as Maher’s third-string contender, but after Sunday’s performance he is rapidly emerging as a genuine threat to all of his rivals in the famous handicap.

2026 JRA Cup Results