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.
Find the top online bookmakers offering strong racing odds for the Australasian Oaks.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...