<h2>Ciaron Maher Targets Cranbourne Double with Nadal and Warnie – Trifecta Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Champion trainer Ciaron Maher targets Cranbourne feature double with defending Meteorite champion Nadal and Group 2 winner Warnie</p> <p>- &nbsp; Nadal faces redemption mission in $1 million Meteorite after disappointing Fisher Stakes run following nine-month injury layoff</p> <p>- &nbsp; Warnie looks well-suited to Cranbourne Cup conditions after impressive Damien Oliver Stakes victory on Derby Day</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Nadal's Meteorite Defence Mission</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Defending $1 million Meteorite champion Nadal faces his biggest test since returning from a lengthy injury layoff.</p> <p>The electric sprinter's explosive victory in last year's inaugural Meteorite remains fresh in punters' memories, where he delivered a devastating turn of foot to defeat Rey Magnerio and subsequent Group 1 winner Baraqiel.</p> <p>However, Maher admits his stable star must lift significantly from his disappointing Fisher Stakes effort at Flemington.</p> <p>The trainer pointed to tactical issues and unsuitable heavy track conditions as contributing factors to the below-par performance.</p> <p>"He just needs to be ridden that little bit quieter, he had no cover," Maher explained.</p> <p>"He probably wasn't ready for those conditions, but I did expect more. I'm hopeful rather than confident."</p> <p>Knee injuries sidelined Nadal for the better part of nine months, forcing him to miss crucial preparation time.</p> <p>His racing return produced a solid fifth in the Group 2 Herald Sun Sprint at Caulfield on a good-rated surface, suggesting the seven-year-old retains his ability.</p> <p>The Cranbourne Meteorite field shapes as a quality affair, featuring Group 1 winner Stretan Angel, along with genuine chances Jigsaw, Watchme Win, Jenni The Fox, and Zou Sensation across 14 runners.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Warnie's Cup Aspirations</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Warnie enters Saturday's Listed Cranbourne Cup off a career-best performance in the Group 2 Damien Oliver Stakes on Derby Day.</p> <p>The victory at Flemington's premier meeting has boosted confidence heading into the 1600-metre feature.</p> <p>Maher believes the Cranbourne Cup conditions will perfectly suit his galloper's racing pattern. The trainer expects genuine early pace, which historically creates winning opportunities for horses positioned off the speed.</p> <p>"Cranbourne Cup generally generates a fair bit of speed," Maher noted. "It worked well a few years ago with Charterhouse in 2023 – they went really quick and he was able to handle it. I thought that might suit Warnie, he needs speed on."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Nadal and Warnie Racing Form Analysis</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Both horses represent excellent value propositions for different reasons. Nadal's class remains unquestioned despite his recent setback, while his devastating finishing kick could prove unstoppable if connections solve the tactical puzzle.</p> <p>Warnie's progressive form curve suggests he's hitting peak condition at the perfect time. His Group 2 victory demonstrated an ability to handle quality opposition under pressure, essential credentials for Listed company.</p> <p>The contrasting race distances suit each horse's natural abilities – Nadal's explosive sprint speed over 1200 metres versus Warnie's sustained finish over the mile trip.</p> <p>Saturday's Cranbourne racing presents Maher with realistic chances of securing a valuable double, provided both horses reproduce their best form when it matters most.</p>