The Ciaron Maher stable will unveil two of its key spring hopefuls at Sandown this Saturday, with imports Sammarco and Sayedaty Sadaty set to run in the $150,000 Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1800m).
Sammarco, a dual Group 1 winner in Germany, is making his long-awaited Australian debut, while Sayedaty Sadaty lines up for his third local start after running in last year’s Caulfield Cup and returning in March at Flemington.
Sammarco’s European credentials are strong, having won the German Derby (2400m) and Grosser Dallmayr-Preis (2000m). Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the son of Camelot is being targeted for a long-term spring campaign, starting this weekend with a run that’s below his ideal distance.
“He’s probably best over 2400m to 3200m,” Turnbull said. “We decided to put him away after his first prep in Australia. He’s adapted better this time around and Saturday’s race is just the starting point.”
Turnbull added that Sammarco will likely follow a Banjo Paterson-style winter program, with four-to-five week gaps between runs, before ramping up into more serious spring targets.
Sammarco will face a familiar opponent in Tempesti, who beat him narrowly in the Group 3 Grand Prix De Milano last year. John Allen rides Sammarco ($16) from barrier four, while Jamie Melham partners Sayedaty Sadaty ($8.50) from the inside draw.
“Sammarco is well handicapped with 59.5kg,” Turnbull said. “He’s fit and ready to run well first-up but will definitely improve over more ground.”
Sayedaty Sadaty, who carries 53kg, is also expected to improve with racing. Despite being unplaced in two runs in Australia so far, he brings solid European form and has been working well at Cranbourne.
“He’s been a bit of a slow burner, but we like him,” Turnbull said. “He’s drawn to get the right run and 1800m is a good starting point.”
The stable is using Saturday’s contest as a stepping stone for both horses, with spring targets in mind. Punters can follow their futures or place weekend wagers through top Australian betting sites.
