Trainer Ciaron Maher is hoping Name The Day’s victory on Geelong Cup day is an omen of better things to come at Flemington in November.

Name The Day (4g Host – Thorpedo by Thunder Gulch) profited from a perfect front-running ride by Craig Williams in the Roderick Insurance Brokers Hcp (1500m) on Wednesday.  “He’s a nice horse – I like him,” Williams said.  “He’s versatile and I think he will probably be better suited chasing instead of leading.”

Maher prepares Host gelding for a syndicate managed by Warrnambool businessman Colin McKenna.  He races in the same colours as Moudre who is trying to force his way into the final field for the Melbourne Cup.

Name The Day began his career winning at Murray Bridge and Morphettville earlier this year.  His previous owners had received an offer from Hong Kong before the move to Warrnambool.

“Craig controlled the race and got an easy gallop in the lead,” Maher said.  “He really stretched out in the straight and will keep improving over more ground.”

The gelding is a direct descendant of Mapperley Heights (Sir Tristram) who carried Swettenham’s colours to a G1 victory in the 1984 South Australian Derby.

Host (Hussonet) stands at Swettenham Stud for a $9,900 (inc gst) fee.  For further information, broodmare owners should contact Adam Sangster (0418 543 633) or Chris Belli (0417 514 552).