There would not be a hardier filly in training than the Ciaron Maher prepared Salty Pearl.
After an arduous spring campaign that saw her successful at Group 2 level, the consistent filly is after Group 1 honours in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Saturday’s outing will be Salty Pearl’s sixth run of the campaign which commenced in January and comes on top of a four-run spring preparation.
Salty Pearl has also shown she can compete successfully on a quick back-up, although on Saturday it will be additional travel where the filly can show her hardiness.
Having raced exclusively in Melbourne, Salty Pearl was taken to Sydney for her last start where she ran third in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 28 and four weeks later is Adelaide bound for the Australasian Oaks.
Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, said the stable was able to break up the trip to Adelaide with a stopover at their base in 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.”
Salty Pearl will be joined in the Oaks by stablemate Paltrow Miss who is at the other end of the spectrum, experience wise.
On Saturday the filly will be having just her fourth start, having started her career in New Zealand before joining the Maher team, winning first-up at Sandown before running second at Caulfield.
“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 rides Paltrow Miss while Ben Allen is booked for Salty Pearl.
