Ciaron Maher is putting his faith in the mares as he strives to win his first Oakleigh Plate.

Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, has the hot favourite in Marabi for the $750,000 Group 1 over 1100 metres and said Bella Nipotina and Away Game would be the support crew.

Generation and Marine One also occupy a place in Pre-Nominations markets, but Maher said if three-year-old Generation runs at Caulfield it would most likely be against his own age group, while Group 2 Rubiton Stakes winner Marine One could be saved for the Newmarket Handicap.

“Generation might go the Zeditave and Marine One, I’m not sure. He could have a look at it, but he might be better down the straight,” Maher said.

“Those three mares are ticking along well. I couldn’t be happier with all of them.

“Marabi is in super order, Bella, I think she is coming up beautifully and Away Game has been freshened up for it. She seems to really hit the ground running fresh.”

The Oakleigh Plate is one of three Group 1s at Caulfield next Saturday with the $1.5 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) the headline event.

Victoria’s leading stable is likely to have two runners with I Am Invincible colt Counttheheadlights a confirmed starter, while Maher said Hafey is also a likely runner.

Hafey, who is also by I Am Invincible and is part of the Rosemont Stud-led Victorian Alliance, has only been to the races once for a brilliant Bendigo maiden win on February 6.

Debut Flemington winner Latizia has been sent for a spell, El Padrino remains in Sydney and Sir Bailey, a son of Jameka who won at Sandown last Wednesday, will head to the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).