The Ciaron Maher team is heading back to Adelaide this weekend with Estriella as they chase a maiden Group 1 victory in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Joining her on the float will be stablemate A Little Deep, with both mares set to depart on Wednesday night for the $1 million sprint.

Estriella was the centre of attention in last year’s Sangster when sent out as the $2.80 favourite following impressive wins at Caulfield and twice at Flemington. She led wide and ultimately finished fifth behind Climbing Star, who again lines up on Saturday.

Since then, Estriella’s form has fluctuated. The stable has worked on getting her to settle in her races, but her finishing efforts have been below expectations.

However, assistant trainer Jack Turnbull suggested a change in tactics may be on the cards with Ben Allen aboard from barrier two.

“At her last couple we’ve gone back in an effort to get her to settle,” Turnbull said.

“Up in Sydney, we were hoping for a bit of rain, but we just seemed to dodge it left, right and centre.”

“Drawing a gate, we may just go with her rather than riding her back thinking that she will finish off.”

“Arguably we do need a drop of rain. As she has got on a little bit she does require some give, but there is nothing to say why we shouldn’t be going there.”

“She came down from Sydney last week and travelled well and we’ll head over Wednesday night.”

Meanwhile, Ethan Brown will ride A Little Deep from barrier five as he eyes a seventh Group 1 success for the season. Five of those have come under Maher’s guidance, including Brown’s first at Group 1 level in the 2022 Sangster Stakes aboard Snapdancer.

While A Little Deep has yet to contest at the elite level, Turnbull says she has earned her opportunity.

“She’s mature, she’s in form and she’s fresh,” he said.

“She’s a Listed winner, she’s Group 3 placed, so she deserves a crack.”

“Where she heads in the next couple of months, I’m not sure. She may be sold, so if we can have a crack at a Sangster and get some Group 1 form on her page, it would greatly enhance her profile.”

Climbing Star has drawn nicely in gate seven and currently shares top billing in the market with Asfoora, who will jump from the wide barrier 14. Stretan Angel (barrier 10) and Commemorative (15) sit on the next line of betting at $7 in a competitive 16-horse field.

Estriella has been marked a $15 chance while A Little Deep is currently at $26.