Sandown Stakes race sees Maher fillies renew rivalry
The Ciaron Maher stable recently secured a top four finish in a maiden race held at Sandown.
Two of the horses from that race are now set to compete in a Stakes race at Sandown, aiming to continue the successful run for the Maher stable.
Saintly Dancer and Ghana's Akan, who finished in the first two positions in that August 19 maiden event, are heading to the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes over 1300 metres on Saturday.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, suggested that the track conditions might influence the outcome for the stable's two fillies on Saturday.
Saintly Dancer performed well on the Soft 7 surface during her Sandown victory, while Ghana's Akan coped with the ground but was not as effective.
"Saintly Dancer is up-and-coming and we don't know her ceiling, a bit like with Ghana's Akan," Turnbull said.
"Saintly Dancer profiles like a horse that will get seven or eight (furlongs – 1400m to 1600m) in time.
"She's more your middle distance, scopey type whereas Ghana's I think will be restricted to 1100m to 1400m this prep.
"She's quite speedy and I don't think either filly will have too many excuses on Saturday, provided the track is OK.
"Ghana's probably doesn't want a boggy track."
The racing surface was rated a Good 4 as of Friday morning, though rain is predicted to start falling on Friday evening.
Turnbull noted that Ghana's Akan's draw of barrier four is an advantage on Saturday, compared to Saintly Dancer, who is drawn wide in gate 10.
Ghana's Akan has competed six times, achieving three second placings, and has accumulated nearly $500,000 in prize money without achieving a win.
"Ghana's has always had improvement this campaign," Turnbull commented.
"She's looked rough in the coat coming off the back of winter, but both fillies are very exciting."
Apprentice Jabez Johnstone, who exclusively rides for Maher, will be taking his third 'Black Type' Victorian ride when he partners Saintly Dancer, on whom he previously won at Sandown.
"It's good reward for Jabez to retain the ride in a Black Type race," Turnbull stated.
Ethan Brown is engaged to ride Ghana's Akan.
Explore the online bookmakers for betting on this exciting clash.
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