Racing: Maher hopes hot winter run continues

Ciaron Maher's runners this weekend include consistent sprinter Hard Romp. Photo / Thinkstock

Victorian trainer Ciaron Maher will be hoping to continue an already successful winter when he saddles up runners on the flat and over jumps this weekend.

Star mare Srikandi has gone to the paddock for a spell after winning back-to-back group one races in Queensland, culminating in Saturday's Tattersall's Tiara at the Gold Coast.

Maher is yet to map out a spring campaign for the rising 5-year-old who also win the Stradbroke Hcp.

Overseas travel is definitely an option next season with the Royal Ascot meeting in June and the Hong Kong International Day in December in Maher's thoughts.

Maher's runners this weekend include consistent sprinter Hard Romp, who chases his third Flemington win this campaign in Saturday's All Victorian Sprint Series Heat 8 (1100m).

Import Kapour is nominated for the Winter Cup (2400m) at Rosehill and also the Banjo Paterson Series heat over 2500m at Flemington.

On Sunday, Maher's runners at Bendigo will be headed by champion jumper Bashboy in the Mosstrooper Steeplechase.

Hard Romp, the winner of six of his 24 starts, has shown a liking for the straight track at Flemington with two wins and a third this campaign.

Apprentice Michael Dee continues his association with Hard Romp on Saturday.

- AAP