Maher's hardy fillies Salty Pearl and Paltrow Miss eye Australasian Oaks

No filly in work matches the toughness of Salty Pearl, prepared by Ciaron Maher.

After a grueling spring that included Group 2 triumphs, the steadfast filly seeks Group 1 glory in Saturday's Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville.

Her run this Saturday represents the sixth of her current campaign, started in January, following a four-start spring schedule.

Salty Pearl has demonstrated prowess on minimal rest previously, but the extra distance to travel this weekend will highlight her durability.

Having stuck to Melbourne racing until now, she traveled to Sydney recently, placing third in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 28, before making the trek to Adelaide a month later for the Oaks.

Jack Turnbull, who serves as National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, explained they will pause the Adelaide trip at Ballarat.

"It is hard to travel and maintain form, but she did it for Sydney and the question mark is whether she can back up in Adelaide," Turnbull said.

"We can break the trip up by stopping over in Ballarat and then it's only five hours from there, so it's not a huge ask.

"She's just a wonderful horse to train.

"She's incredibly consistent. She doesn't take any extra work to manage. She's hardy to train, which is fantastic.

"She had a jump-out last week and ran a really good race in the Vinery, so she will head to the Oaks."

In the Oaks, she'll be accompanied by yardmate Paltrow Miss, representing the opposite in experience levels.

This Saturday marks just the filly's fourth race overall, kicking off in New Zealand before transferring to Maher, with a winning debut at Sandown and a close second at Caulfield thereafter.

"She's obviously a lot less experienced, but profiles as a horse that warrants going over there," Turnbull said.

"She still has a bit to learn, but she's showing good ability.

"It will be tough for her, but she's only three once, it's the right time of year, so we'll give her that chance."

Craig Williams picks up the mount on Paltrow Miss, as Ben Allen stays on Salty Pearl.

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