Ciaron Maher’s operation sees value in Benedetta’s return to Morphettville as a path to success.
The mare dominated there last, winning The Goodwood at Group 1 standard in May 2024.
Jason Warren handled her training for that feat, which marked Jamie Melham’s cherished local Group 1.
Entering Maher’s fold for 2025-26, Benedetta has competed well without tasting victory.
Saturday offers potential shift in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m), a fillies-and-mares weight-for-age feature.
Melham continues as her jockey from stall four.
Jack Turnbull, Ciaron Maher Racing’s National Assistant Trainer, observed Benedetta’s promising runs this time in and her fit for sex-restricted racing.
“If there’s any rain it would enhance her chances, not that she needs it,” Turnbull said.
“She’s been beaten around that two-length margin in Group 1’s by some very good horses, and one of them was under handicap conditions.
“We feel she’s going super, she just needs to get in the right spot at the right time and she’s good enough, as we know.
“There are no faults with her from our end, she just needs a bit of luck.”
Benedetta’s six starts for Maher yielded one placing, third on debut to Tentyris in Flemington’s Lightning Stakes (1000m) back in February.
While the team feels some impatience at her win drought, her big-race showings excite.
“There is (some frustration) as she hasn’t won for a little while, but you look at her form and she’s giving everyone a thrill in some big races,” Turnbull said.
“You would love to see her add another Group 1 to her page to show she has got longevity as a racing prospect for breeders.
“She has been solid for us and hopefully she can get another victory.”
Head to trusted betting sites for Robert Sangster Stakes odds and promotions.