The Ciaron Maher stable is returning to Adelaide with Estriella in search of a maiden Group 1 win with the mare.
Estriella and stablemate A Little Deep will leave for Adelaide on Wednesday night to compete in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
A year ago, Estriella was the talk of Adelaide and was sent out the $2.80 favourite in the Sangster, coming off a victory at Caulfield and then back-to-back wins at Flemington.
Estriella led and tracked wide in last year’s Sangster, eventually winding up running fifth behind Climbing Star, an opponent again on Saturday.
After mixed form in the spring, the Maher stable has gone about trying to get Estriella to settle in her races, but the mare has been unable to produce a finishing burst.
Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull indicated a change of plans may be in store with Estriella on Saturday after drawing barrier two with Ben Allen riding for the first time.
“At her last couple we’ve gone back in an effort to get her to settle,” Turnbull said.
“Up in Sydney, we were hoping for a bit of rain, but we just seemed to dodge it left, right and centre.
“Drawing a gate, we may just go with her rather than riding her back thinking that she will finish off.
“Arguably we do need a drop of rain. As she has got on a little bit she does require some give, but there is nothing to say why we shouldn’t be going there.
“She came down from Sydney last week and travelled well and we’ll head over Wednesday night.”
Ethan Brown will ride A Little Deep, from barrier five, for only the second time as he chases a seventh Group 1 win for the season in Saturday’s sprint.
Five of those Group 1 wins have been for Maher who, with David Eustace, supplied the jockey with his breakthrough win at the highest level in the 2022 Sangster aboard Snapdancer.
A Little Deep has yet to race at Group 1 level, but Turnbull said the mare deserves her shot.
“She’s mature, she’s in form and she’s fresh,” Turnbull said.
“She’s a Listed winner, she’s Group 3 placed, so she deserves a crack.
“Where she heads in the next couple of months, I’m not sure.
“She may be sold, so if we can have a crack at a Sangster and get some Group 1 form on her page, it would greatly enhance her profile.”
Climbing Star has drawn favourably in barrier seven and shares the topline of betting with Asfoora (gate 14) following Tuesday’s draw ahead of Stretan Angel (10) and Commemorative (15) at $7 in the 16-horse field.
Estriella is a $15 chance with A Little Deep at $26.
