The Ciaron Maher stable recently achieved a top four finish in a maiden race at Sandown.
Two of those contenders are now advancing to a Stakes race at Sandown, aiming to build on the good form exhibited by the Maher stable.
Saintly Dancer and Ghana’s Akan, who finished first and second respectively in the August 19 maiden event, are slated to compete in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes over 1300 metres this Saturday.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, remarked that the prevailing track conditions could play a significant role in the outcome for the stable’s two fillies on Saturday.
Saintly Dancer benefited from the Soft 7 conditions during her Sandown victory, whereas Ghana’s Akan handled the ground but was not as effective.
“Saintly Dancer is up-and-coming and we don’t know her ceiling, a bit like with Ghana’s Akan,” Turnbull shared.
“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 rated a Good 4 on Friday morning, although rain is forecast to begin on Friday evening.
Turnbull highlighted that Ghana’s Akan’s draw of barrier four is advantageous for Saturday’s race, in contrast to Saintly Dancer, who is in gate 10.
Ghana’s Akan has raced six times, securing three second placings, and has amassed close to $500,000 in prize money without a victory.
“Ghana’s has always had improvement this campaign,” Turnbull noted.
“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, will be making his third ‘Black Type’ Victorian appearance when he rides Saintly Dancer, a horse on whom he won at Sandown.
“It’s good reward for Jabez to retain the ride in a Black Type race,” Turnbull concluded.
Ethan Brown is booked to ride Ghana’s Akan.
Consider the racing betting markets for this upcoming event.