The Anthony Cummings -trained filly Chill has notched up her maiden victory in fine style, with a return to Stakes level on the horizon.
The three-year-old has had three of her six race starts in Group or Listed company, including last start when seventh in the Listed Rosebud.The drop in grade proved the difference, with the daughter of Vancouver holding off her rivals to win by 0.75 lengths.
Cummings said Chill has always been up to Group standard, with the Group One Flight Stakes her aim.
“I’m very pleased about that, she’s taken on some decent opposition along the way,” he said.
“She always looked like she was capable of doing it and at that increased level.
“She’ll go back to that level now and head on towards the Flight Stakes, which is her first aim and then some better races probably, after that.
“She’s out of the same family as Outback Prince, Hotel Grand, and a few other nice horses we’ve had through the stable.
“She’s certainly going to live up to their efforts I would say.”
Chill jumped from barrier five with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle and settled further forward than expected in the early stages.
The three-year-old gave a good kick at the top of the straight, chased down the leader with 200m to go and ran on for a comfortable victory.McEvoy said Chill showed good determination, despite settling closer to the speed.”She jumped nicely and I didn’t think I’d be that far forward, but she showed nice purpose from the gates stepping away which allowed her to roll forward in a nice spot,” he said.
“I just let her stride off the corner, and she handled the corner really well.
“I knew I had them running past the 300m and she was able to kick away and hold them off.
“A nice filly with a future, for sure.”
Chill beat home the Anthony Mountney-trained Wolves, with Mokolua in for third, whilst race favourite Yearning finished in fourth position.
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au