Spring Spotlight
Few things excite racing fans more than the arrival of a European stayer, even more so one with Royal Ascot experience and the potential to run in the Melbourne Cup. MyRacehorse has teamed up with Ciaron Maher’s team to unearth a horse with all the qualities to thrive in Australia. Introducing: Lightening Mann!
A lightly raced talent
Maher himself expressed that although it is tempting to chase a European horse that already has black-type on their CV, they often come with lofty ratings, making it hard to work through the grades, likely culminating in only a few wins and far between. Lightening Mann is different, the lightly-raced gelding is what Maher describes as an “emerging horse”, one who has gained raceday experience in Europe, but has not been exposed at the highest level, coming across to our shores with an attractive rating.
This is a profile that has worked all too often for Maher and his team, giving Lightening Mann the opportunity to compete in softer races throughout the early part of the Spring before trying his hand in some more difficult handicap races. Not only is this process for the betterment of the horse, but it will also provide owners with the thrill of Saturday Metro racing before going full throttle to chase cups glory.
The Ascot run...
His most recent performance at Royal Ascot only confirmed Maher’s confidence in Lightening Mann. Lightening Mann was repeatedly checked throughout the race, and found himself on heels for the most part of the straight. However, once he got out and was able to lengthen his stride, he hit the line with energy and pace, suggesting that he had much more to show.
This wasn’t just a promising run, it was a glimpse of the abilities that Lightening Mann holds. He possesses the elite skills that are needed for an Australian stayer, stamina and a destructive turn of foot!
His effort becomes even more significant when viewed through the form around him. Earlier in his preparation, Lightening Mann defeated Merchant over 2000m. Since then, Merchant was able to win the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and a Group 3 at Goodwood on July 31st. This form shows that if Lightening Mann had more luck, he would’ve been right in the finish!
A look towards spring
Having arrived at Ciaron Maher’s Ballarat stable two weeks ago, the team will look to build Lightening Mann up towards an Australian Debut. The plan at this stage is to have him work through the benchmarks in the early part of spring, before hopefully having a tilt at Australia’s best feature staying races, such as the Melbourne Cup!
More importantly, Lightening Mann’s versatility, having already shown his ability from 1600m-2400m will hold him in good stead as he rises through the grades. Maher has no doubt that he can develop into a genuine stayer, as his dam, Lightening Dance, won over 3184m and is by Nathaniel, who too is the sire of Melbourne Cup placegetter, Floating Artist.
We cannot wait to see what Lightening Mann is capable of come Spring!
