Maher fillies meet again in Stakes race at Sandown
The Ciaron Maher stable recently scored a top four finish in a maiden race at Sandown.
Two of that quartet head to a Stakes race at Sandown looking to continue the good run of form for the Maher stable.
Saintly Dancer (NZ) (St Mark's Basilica) and Ghana's Akan (Street Boss), who finished one-two in that maiden contest on August 19, head to the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1300m) on Saturday.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, said the track conditions may have a say in the outcome on Saturday for the stable's two fillies.
Saintly Dancer appreciated the Soft 7 conditions in her Sandown victory, while Ghana's Akan got through 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 track was rated a Good 4 on Friday morning, although rain is forecast, beginning on Friday evening.
Turnbull said in Ghana's Akan's favour on Saturday was drawing barrier four as against Saintly Dancer who is out in gate 10.
Ghana's Akan has raced six times, for three seconds, and has amassed almost $500,000 in prize money without a win.
"Ghana's has always had improvement this campaign," Turnbull said.
"She's looked rough in the coat coming off the back of winter, but both fillies are very exciting."
Apprentice Jabez Johnstone, who rides exclusively for Maher, will have just his third 'Black Type' Victorian ride when he partners Saintly Dancer on whom he won on at Sandown.
"It's good reward for Jabez to retain the ride in a Black Type race," Turnbull said.
Ethan Brown rides Ghana's Akan.
Saintly Dancer was bred by Llanhennock Trust and sold to First Light Racing for $100,000 at the 2025 Gold Coast Yearling sale.
