The Ciaron Maher stable recently achieved a top four placing in a maiden event at Sandown.
Two of those runners are now stepping up to a Stakes race at Sandown, aiming to extend the strong form of the Maher stable.
Saintly Dancer and Ghana’s Akan, who finished first and second respectively in that maiden event on August 19, will compete in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes over 1300 metres on Saturday.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, indicated that the prevailing track conditions could influence the outcome for the stable’s two fillies on Saturday.
Saintly Dancer thrived in the Soft 7 conditions when securing her Sandown victory, while Ghana’s Akan managed the ground but was less effective.
“Saintly Dancer is up-and-coming and we don’t know her ceiling, a bit like with Ghana’s Akan,” Turnbull stated.
“Saintly Dancer profiles like a horse that will get seven or eight (furlongs – 1400m to 1600m) in time.
“She’s more your middle distance, scopey type whereas Ghana’s I think will be restricted to 1100m to 1400m this prep.
“She’s quite speedy and I don’t think either filly will have too many excuses on Saturday, provided the track is OK.
“Ghana’s probably doesn’t want a boggy track.”
The track was classified as a Good 4 on Friday morning, however, rain is anticipated to commence on Friday evening.
Turnbull mentioned that Ghana’s Akan benefits from drawing barrier four on Saturday, in contrast to Saintly Dancer, who has drawn the wider gate of 10.
Ghana’s Akan has participated in six races, securing three second-place finishes, and has accumulated nearly $500,000 in prize money without a win.
“Ghana’s has always had improvement this campaign,” Turnbull commented.
“She’s looked rough in the coat coming off the back of winter, but both fillies are very exciting.”
Apprentice Jabez Johnstone, who rides exclusively for Maher, is set to have his third ‘Black Type’ Victorian outing when he partners Saintly Dancer, a horse he previously won on at Sandown.
“It’s good reward for Jabez to retain the ride in a Black Type race,” Turnbull added.
Ethan Brown is scheduled to ride Ghana’s Akan.
For those interested in the racing action, consider checking out the latest Australian betting sites for potential wagers on the Atlantic Jewel Stakes.