Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Signature Scent could contest one of three races on Saturday as the Ciaron Maher stable considers the next step in the three-year-old filly’s 2026 campaign. The options at Caulfield and Morphettville include two Stakes races, but the age-restricted handicap at Caulfield currently appears most attractive.
Signature Scent is entered for the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes over 1200 metres and a three-year-old handicap over 1100 metres at Caulfield. The Listed Lightning Stakes over 1050 metres at Morphettville provides the third option.
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Caulfield handicap appeals to stable
Signature Scent received 59.5kg in the Caulfield handicap, although apprentice Jabez Johnstone’s 3kg claim would reduce that weight to 56.5kg.
The Bletchingly Stakes would place Signature Scent against older horses at weight-for-age with 56kg. The official Caulfield race page confirms the Group 3 contest will be run over 1200 metres.
“The idea of this campaign is to get her back winning and if she was to win again, or run well, there are plenty of races coming up and we don’t have to rush back too soon at the moment if we don’t feel we have to,” Ciaron Maher Racing assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said.
Jack Turnbull believes improved race manners have increased the filly’s distance range. “The fact that she is relaxing better now gives her the opportunity to get 1200 (metres).”
“She was a bit of a one trick pony early and the blinkers have really helped her, and it opens up a few more options.”
Signature Scent has won over 1050 metres at Morphettville and later finished third in the Listed Redelva Stakes.
Recommendation returns to familiar race
The Ciaron Maher stable will also start Recommendation in the Bletchingly Stakes. Recommendation won the race in 2024 and finished fifth last year.
Recommendation enters after finishing sixth in the Sir John Monash Stakes. Jack Turnbull said early speed forced the sprinter further back than planned.
“There was a lot of pressure early which probably exaggerated where he got to,” Jack Turnbull said. “We had the winners back, but it was a bit quicker than us, but we feel as though he’s back to his best to be winning this.”