Ciaron Maher and David Eustace will up their sights for Scentify after the son of Justify (USA) stayed perfect at two for two with a barnstorming triumph in the Membership On Sale Plate (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Ridden by Ben Allen, Scentify came from last on the turn to overpower the Pierro colt Prinzerro with the Cable Bay (IRE) gelding Jewel Bay a half-neck back in third.
Appearing for the first time in 16 weeks, the Flying Start Syndications colour bearer made a winning debut on a bottomless track at Warrnambool on May 3.
“A good performance and a lovely ride,” David Eustice said.
“We said to Whizz (Allen) to ride him quietly with a view to the future, and if he is good enough, great.
“Delighted for Ben, who works very hard on his weight, and he had to work hard to get to 56kg today.
“The team at Ballarat have done a great job to prep him up.
“He has changed a lot – matured and developed into a really good-looking colt.
“We have toyed with what his trip is. He does not do much at home. He is very laid back, which suggests he will get over further, which I’m sure he will, but he showed a good turn of foot there.
“Whether we go to seven (furlongs) or see him down the straight over sprint distances, we will see. It’s a nice problem to have.
“It’s great to get another nice horse for Cam Bennett and Flying Start Syndications, who buy a nice horse at a very reasonable price and are great to train for.”
‘A $125,000 Inglis Classic purchase for Ciaron Maher Bloodstock / Flying Start Syndications / Pinhook Bloodstock from the Newgate Farm draft, Scentify was bred by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Watership Down Stud after they purchased his dam Fine Scent with McKeever Bloodstock for $210,000 at the 2020 Inglis Chairman’s Sale when carrying the son of Justify (USA).
Scentify was foaled at Yarraman Park and sold in their draft at the 2021 Inglis Weanling Sale for $145,000.
A half-sister to Golden Slipper winner Polar Success, Fine Scent was sold to Four Aces Farm for $190,000 at the 2022 National Broodmare Sale. Her Too Darn Hot (GB) filly sold to Shane Oxlade Racing for just $15,000 at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Fine Scent was covered by Russian Revolution last spring.
