Ciaron Maher’s stable will be represented by two runners in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday, with mares Estriella and A Little Deep heading to Adelaide in search of top-level success.
Both horses are due to travel across on Wednesday night, with Estriella aiming to improve on her fifth-place finish in the same race last year. She enters this year’s edition after a mixed autumn, but assistant trainer Jack Turnbull believes drawing barrier two and a tactical shift could make a difference.
“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.”
A Little Deep, to be ridden by Ethan Brown, will jump from gate five. Brown is chasing his seventh Group 1 win this season and has already enjoyed five such victories under Maher’s guidance. His first came aboard Snapdancer in this very race two years ago.
While A Little Deep is yet to be tested at Group 1 level, Turnbull says she’s ready for it.
“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, the winner of last year’s edition, has drawn barrier seven and shares favouritism with Asfoora, who will jump from the wide alley of 14. Other leading chances include Stretan Angel (10) and Commemorative (15), both at $7.
Current markets have Estriella priced at $15, while A Little Deep is rated a $26 outsider.
