Written by Paul Vettise
James Cummings unveiled an impressive colt to win at the first time of asking at Rosehill a week ago and on Saturday he unveiled a quality filly for a similar result.
Godolphin’s head trainer produced Tassort (Brazen Beau) to claim the Golden Gift and barn mate Athiri (Lonhro) matched that debut feat with victory in the Elderton Homes Made You Look Sprint.
Jockey Glyn Schofield was happy to let the leaders go and he bided his time with Athiri and when the gap presented itself in the straight they were through in a flash.
“That was a ripping debut and she’s an uncomplicated filly with a wonderful attitude.” - James Cummings.
“That was a ripping debut and she’s an uncomplicated filly with a wonderful attitude,” Cummings said.
“She’s got a big finish and sweating on the run didn’t faze her, she’s got a very powerful turn of foot.
“She’s kept building up this preparation and the guys at Crown Lodge have done a great job nursing her through.
“Closing speed like that can’t be taught, she’s a natural and she’ll be far better next time in.
“A lot of work goes into these young horses and it’s a massive credit to my team.” – James Cummings.
“A lot of work goes into these young horses and it’s a massive credit to my team. It’s a very satisfying result for all of us.”
Schofield was equally impressed with Athiri’s approach and the professionalism she displayed.
“She’s a very natural type of filly coming off only one trial,” he said. “I just had to navigate a path after we went back and I rode her quietly and she gave a really good kick.”
Athiri winning at Rosehill, ridden by Glyn Schofield
Decisive in straight
Athiri dashed between runners in the closing 150 metres and went clear to win by two lengths from Accession (Brazen Beau) and Stronger (Not A Single Doubt).
“To do that off one trial shows what James can do and it’s a pleasure to ride for him,” Schofield said.
Athiri is a half-sister to the Listed Mona Lisa S. winner Savatiano (Street Cry {IRE}) with their dam the minor winner Retsina (Redoute’s Choice), who is a daughter of the G1 QTC Sires’ Produce S. winner Star Shiraz (Sequalo).
Betaima in Doomben dazzler
In Doomben, Betaima (Better Than Ready) made all to win the Brisbane Broncos Sizzling Plate for trainer Toby Edmonds and rider Jeff Lloyd.
Edmonds won the last edition of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Houtzen (I Am Invincible) and the stable have high hopes Betaima can retain the crown.
“She will have another start, but whether it is two weeks before the Millions or like Houtzen the week before is up to Dad,” Edmonds’ son Trent said.
Betaima is out of the Lonhro mare Naima and was a $62,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy and the feature name in the pedigree is the G1 Easter H. winner Clear Gold (NZ) (Bahroona {USA}).
Missile straight and true
In Ascot 2-year-old action, first-timer Jericho Missile (Smart Missile) made the perfect start to his career for trainer David Harrison in the Mumm Champagne Crystal Slipper S.
The gelding, who was unbeaten in two trial outings, produced a sharp performance to down the previously unbeaten Specialism (Safeguard) in the hands of Paul Harvey.
Jericho Missile was a $77,500 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale purchase and he hails from the Group 1 family of Bonneval (NZ) (Makfi {NZ}), St Reims (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and his sister Champagne and Charmont (NZ) (High Chaparral {IRE}).
