Ciaron Maher’s powerhouse stable enjoyed a fast start at Caulfield as Craig Williams guided two winners home in consecutive races, boosting his position in the jockeys’ premiership race.
Williams partnered odds-on elect Signature Scent to victory in the Sportsbet Get On Now Handicap (1100m), then doubled up aboard Scampi in the following event, the Sportsbet Race Reviews Handicap (1100m).
The back-to-back wins moved Williams closer to Blake Shinn on the Melbourne premiership ladder, with Signature Scent now being aimed toward Stakes company next start.
Leigh Allen, representing the Maher team, confirmed that the Group 3 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield next month is firmly on the radar for the lightly raced filly.
“We’re still waiting on results from a gene test, which might help inform future race plans,” Allen said.
“But for now we’re likely to keep her to shorter trips, with the Quezette looking a logical next step.”
Signature Scent, a Bendigo debut winner, showed her versatility by settling behind runners before producing a sharp turn of foot late to score impressively.
“She didn’t have to lead this time, and that’s another plus,” Allen said. “She was buried away mid-race and really lengthened nicely over the final 100 metres.”
In the following race, Scampi ($9) clung on to defeat Salsa Fellow after Williams judged the tempo perfectly.
Allen noted Scampi has been something of a conundrum for the stable.
“He’s like fool’s gold – teases you with good runs midweek but hasn’t delivered on Saturdays until now,” Allen explained. “Craig gave him the perfect ride and got the job done.”
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