Written by Paul Vettise
Smart 2-year-old Steal My Kisses (I Am Invincible) made her fleeting appearance at the races a successful one on Saturday when she waved goodbye to her rivals at Sandown.
The slick youngster broke quickly from the outside barrier in the Listed Thoroughbred Club Merson Cooper S. and revelled in her work at the head of the field.
Steal My Kisses kicked clear 250 metres from home and rider Damien Oliver was then in the fun zone with the filly never threatened thereafter.
That performance had her Caulfield trainer Mick Price immediately announcing Group 1 plans for the New Year.
“She goes straight out now and we’ll be setting her for the Blue Diamond S. and those good autumn races.” – Mick Price.
“She goes straight out now and we’ll be setting her for the Blue Diamond S. and those good autumn races,” he said. “We want to put her out while the weather is good.
“It was very nice to see her show speed and stamina and Ollie found his own way.”
Mick Price with Steal My Kisses and connections after her win in the Listed Thoroughbred Club Merson Cooper S.
Oliver was understandably taken by the effort of Steal My Kisses at the first time of asking.
“She began really well and put herself right there.” – Damien Oliver.
“She began really well and put herself right there,” he said. “When they get up on the lure and give a good kick they’re always hard to beat. She’s got good natural speed.”
Memphis Rock (Fastnet Rock) camped in behind the pace and he ran on well for second with the next pair home First Dawn (Brazen Beau) and Edinburgh (Sebring) making late ground from the back.
Steal My Kisses ran true to her pedigree as she is out of The Fairy’s Kiss (Elusive Quality {USA}) and is a grand-daughter of the dual Group 2 winner Ballet Society (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}).
Steal My Kisses is by Yarraman Park stallion I Am Invincible
Maiden stakes win
Meanwhile in New Zealand, Miss Federer (NZ) (Swiss Ace) served it up at Riccarton for Andrew Carston with a brave victory in the Listed Barneswood Farm Welcome S. to deliver a first black-type training success for her trainer in his own right.
“It’s unbelievable, she was a bit rough getting in the gates but it was a good strong ride from Matt Cameron,” Carston said.
“I only paid $10,000 for her and I’ve had a good run at Karaka so I hope the roll continues.”
Miss Federer was tardily out of the gates before Cameron drove her to the front and she responded positively in the straight.
She was clearly headed 250 metres from home, but displayed a never-say-die attitude to lengthen stride and account for Challa (Dissident), who had also finished runner-up in their first meeting.
