Estriella out to rebound in 2025 Robert Sangster Stakes

Estriella will get another shot at Group 1 success this weekend as the Ciaron Maher camp sends the mare back to Adelaide for the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville.

Alongside her will be stablemate A Little Deep, with both mares departing for South Australia on Wednesday night ahead of Saturday’s feature sprint.

Last year, Estriella started favourite in the Sangster after a winning streak at Caulfield and Flemington but finished fifth after racing wide throughout. This time around, Maher’s team is considering a change in tactics following a favourable draw in gate two with Ben Allen set to ride.

“At her last couple we’ve gone back in an effort to get her to settle,” said assistant trainer Jack Turnbull.

“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.”

Ethan Brown partners A Little Deep, drawn in barrier five. Brown, who already boasts six Group 1 wins this season, has five of those with Maher, including his career-first G1 aboard Snapdancer in the 2022 Sangster Stakes.

Turnbull says the progressive mare is ready to take her shot at elite level.

“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.”

Asfoora, drawn barrier 14, shares top billing with Climbing Star (barrier 7), while Stretan Angel and Commemorative sit next in betting at $7 apiece. Estriella is rated a $15 chance, while A Little Deep is at $26.