Sandown sees Ciaron Maher stable achieve perfect four-horse quinella

The Ciaron Maher stable achieved a remarkable feat at Sandown, securing all of the top four positions in a single race.

Maher's quartet dominated the Sportsbet Fixed Odds Exotics Plate (1200m) on Wednesday, yielding an impressive First Four payout exceeding $1200 for every $1 wagered.

Guided by the capable apprentice Jabez Johnstone, Saintly Dancer ($5.50) emerged victorious, narrowly defeating the $2.60 favourite Ghana's Akan. Platinum Pearl ($26) secured third place, a further three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up.

Completing the Maher quinella was Stipulation ($11), who finished 1-½ lengths behind third place.

Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, noted that runners from all three of the stable's Victorian bases competed in the event.

The eventual winner, Saintly Dancer, was prepared at the Ballarat stable, whilst the runner-up, Ghana's Akan, hailed from their Cranbourne operation. Platinum Pearl and Stipulation had been stabled at Fingal on the Mornington Peninsula in preparation for their race debuts.

"To the whole stable's credit, they have run out of all three locations in this race," Turnbull shared.

Turnbull explained that Saintly Dancer required some careful management early on due to her excitable disposition but had demonstrated her potential when finishing second on her debut at Geelong last month.

"She has taken a little management early days, always hot and active, but the Ballarat team has done a terrific job," Turnbull said.

"We were chatting pre-race, and depending on how she went, would determine where we go, but the fact that she has won, and beat Ghana's Akan, it sets us up to have a look at some better races in the next couple of weeks.

"She was purchased to get further, but 1400 metres, a mile, may be a question mark this time in, but we'll just train the horse.

"We'll let her tell us, even if we get her at the back end of spring, there is a lot of quality."

Ghana's Akan has now placed second on three occasions from six starts, amassing close to $500,000 in career earnings.

Turnbull is confident the filly will soon break her maiden status.

"She travelled like she was going to win, but when you have a filly with Saintly Dancer's ability coming off her back, without any ceiling, it could prove a very good form race," Turnbull concluded.

Betting markets for the race are expected to be competitive next time out.