The Ciaron Maher stable recently secured a top four placing in a maiden race at Sandown.
Two horses from that quartet are now set to contest a Stakes race at Sandown, aiming to continue the good run of form for the Maher stable.
Saintly Dancer and Ghana’s Akan, who finished one-two in that maiden contest on August 19, are heading to the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes over 1300 metres on Saturday.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, commented that the track conditions might influence the result on Saturday for the stable’s two fillies.
Saintly Dancer appreciated the Soft 7 conditions during her Sandown victory, while Ghana’s Akan managed 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 stated.
“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, though rain is forecast to commence on Friday evening.
Turnbull mentioned that Ghana’s Akan’s draw of barrier four is in her favour on Saturday, compared to Saintly Dancer, who has drawn wide in gate 10.
Ghana’s Akan has raced six times, achieving three second placings, and has amassed almost $500,000 in prize money without a win.
“Ghana’s has always had improvement this campaign,” Turnbull remarked.
“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 having just his third ‘Black Type’ Victorian ride when he partners Saintly Dancer, on whom he won at Sandown.
“It’s good reward for Jabez to retain the ride in a Black Type race,” Turnbull added.
Ethan Brown will ride Ghana’s Akan.
Check out the betting sites for the latest odds on this race.