A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.
Despite failing to place in a recent three-year-old event, the stable sees no reason to hesitate in entering the mare in the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday.
A winner on four occasions from eleven starts, the stable considers Saturday’s race as the ideal juncture to test the mare at Stakes level once more.
Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, pointed out several factors that favour 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 purchased for $200,000 at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale, with Yulong subsequently acquiring her for $1 million at the Inglis Ready2Race Sale in 2024.
The mare has a considerable way to go to recoup her purchase price, but a victory on Saturday would be a welcome start.
“Black Type is essential for her,” Turnbull commented. “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 stated. “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 earned a placing in the Listed Redelva Stakes in April.
Ahead of the Carlyon Stakes, the focus is on the racing betting markets available at betting sites.
