The Ciaron Maher stable has had a 1000m dash at Stakes level in mind for Signature Scent for some time.
Despite not finishing in the placings in a recent three-year-old race, the stable believes there’s no reason not to enter the mare in the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday.
A four-time winner from eleven starts, the stable views Saturday’s race as the perfect opportunity to test the mare at Stakes level once more.
Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, highlighted several factors favouring the mare on Saturday.
“The trip is a big plus and she likes soft ground,” Turnbull said. “And she’s had four weeks in between runs this time. We thought she didn’t run to her best last start because we ran her back a bit quick. She was physically fine, but she was first-up off a 10-week let-up and went back (to the races) after two weeks which is a hard thing to do. It’s a bit of a reprieve, four weeks into this. She’s not in great at the weights, but her quality gives her the chance to be competitive.”
Signature Scent was initially acquired for $200,000 at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale, with Yulong later purchasing her for $1 million at the Inglis Ready2Race Sale in 2024.
While the mare has a considerable distance to go to recoup her purchase price, a victory on Saturday would represent a significant step forward. Those monitoring the top betting apps will find another Stakes contest to analyse at Sandown.
“Black Type is essential for her,” Turnbull stated. “She’s got a good page, she is Black Type placed, but if she was to be a winner, it would be immense.”
Turnbull indicated that it’s unlikely Signature Scent would race again in two weeks if she performs well on Saturday in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Sandown.
“Especially off the two-week turnaround,” Turnbull added. “There is the Wylie Handicap in Adelaide on September 12, so if she was to run well, that could be a race we could look at.”
Signature Scent has a prior win at Morphettville and secured a placing in the Listed Redelva Stakes back in April.
With the Carlyon Stakes on the horizon, punters are assessing the racing odds at Australian betting sites to find value in the field.