Morphettville return hoped to spark Benedetta's Group 1 form

Ciaron Maher's yard believes revisiting Morphettville holds the key to victory for Benedetta again.

The mare's prior appearance at Adelaide's flagship venue saw her capture The Goodwood in Group 1 company during May 2024.

Trained then by Jason Warren, that success gave Jamie Melham a coveted Group 1 success on home turf.

Shifted to Maher for the 2025-26 term, Benedetta has remained reliable without rediscovering the winners' enclosure.

Come Saturday, the stable expects improvement as she tackles the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m), a weight-for-age contest for fillies and mares.

Melham sticks aboard Benedetta from the advantageous barrier four.

Jack Turnbull from Ciaron Maher Racing, as National Assistant Trainer, commented that the mare has been close this season and is ideal for rivals-only competition.

"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 boasts six runs under Maher with just one podium finish, a third on resumption trailing Tentyris in Flemington's Lightning Stakes (1000m) in February.

The trainer's assistant acknowledged mild disappointment at missed placings elsewhere, but praised her class in top company.

"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."

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