Ciaron Maher smells more success with unbeaten filly Signature Scent after tough win at Caulfield
The smart Ciaron Maher-trained filly, who led and dictated on debut at Bendigo, displayed a sharp turn of foot to reel in plucky leader Thanks Gorgeous in the 1100m 2YO Open Handicap.
The Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) next month at Caulfield had been marked as the right race to come but stable representative Leigh Allen said Signature Scent could appreciate a bit more ground.
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Signature Scent travelled nicely behind the speed for champion jockey Craig Williams but needed an out in the straight.
'She was caught in the coffin there and had to wait her time,' Allen said.
'Her last 100m was her best … she got into clear running and she knuckled down.'
Signature Scent paid $1.75 for favourite backers made nervous as $81 outsider Thanks Gorgeous led until the last 75m.
Teine Aulelei closed off nicely to run third from Shystar.
'I'd say we keep her at the same trip,' Allen said.
'We got the Quezette in a month, but we might see what else is around … maybe, something 1200m but at this stage probably the Quezette.'
Williams summed up the race perfectly after Signature Scent stepped a shade slower than expected.
'I thought we'll be economical the first three quarters,' Williams said.
'She's adapted to a different running style, shows her diversity about how she could do things and also scope for distance range … most importantly she's a winner, a very talented filly.'
Williams said Signature Scent had the attributes to become a spring player.
'Her physique, her mannerisms, she covers the ground really well, feels very robust, and today you saw a bit more of an option,' Williams said.
'If she leads she can break them in my opinion and today she was very relaxed off the speed.
'It gives them potential options going out longer, if they choose to.'
Williams completed a running double for Maher to start the card with victory aboard Scampi.
Gilbert Gardiner
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Gilbert Gardiner is a sports reporter for the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun.
@gilbertgardiner
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