It took slightly longer than anticipated, but Missapprehend has delivered her first win for the Ciaron Maher stable with an impressive maiden success at Sandown.
The daughter of Wootton Bassett rebounded from two unplaced runs to claim the $55,000 Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1400m) in convincing fashion.
National assistant trainer Jack Turnbull admitted there was relief within the camp after the $600,000 yearling finally put it together.
“She’s always showed promise and we were a bit disappointed in her first couple that she’d been beaten, because we really thought she’d start her career pretty dominantly,” Turnbull said.
“But, third start, a metro maiden (win), it all adds up.
“She was an expensive Magic Millions purchase who we are sure will go on with. She’s got a bit of quality.”
Ethan Brown settled Missapprehend just behind the speed before angling inside early in the straight, where she quickly asserted herself.
“She won with a bit of authority then,” Brown said.
“She did have a soft run in transit, but she’s putting it together. I think she was aided today by a good barrier and a bigger track.
“She had to go back to the inside, but she had plenty of room, which gives her confidence and she found the line well. She’s still a bit raw, but she’s going to furnish in a lovely horse in time.”