Sunshine In Paris stakes claims for slot in $20m The Everest
Annabel Neasham is hoping Sunshine In Paris has done enough to attract the attention of Everest slot holders after her stunning first-up win in the Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill.
Relishing the strong speed set by Queen Of The Ball and I Am Me, Sunshine In Paris ($8.50) settled back in the field for Ryan Maloney before unleashing a withering sprint down the outside to score by a length over Espiona ($17) with Zapateo ($2.35 fav) the same margin away third.
Neasham had floated the Group 1 Surround Stakes winner as a potential Everest horse prior to Saturday and remained convinced the filly could be a force in the $20 million feature.
“We’re happy to take a spot,” Neasham said.
“I think she’s good enough, she’s shown that today.
“She was first-up and we had her ready to go, she’s the sort of filly that goes quite well fresh so she could just keep bobbling along to The Everest in the middle of October.”
Sunshine In Paris was put through the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in May and was snapped up for $3.9 million by bloodstock agent James Harron on behalf of Fairway Thoroughbred’s John Camilleri.
Neasham was retained as her trainer and admitted to some pre-race nerves prior to her Sheraco Stakes (1200m) return.
“I was quite nervous before. She was obviously a big price tag at the mares’ sale so a bit of pressure racing her on and trying to get more Group Ones on the board for her,” Neasham said.
“She never used to be that straightforward but she’s very trainable now and we’ve had a really smooth preparation into this.
“I’m delighted as well for Ryan Maloney, who has given up the top dog job in Queensland to come down here. She was probably the drawcard for him, and he’s going to have a bit of fun on her over the next few starts.”
Maloney has no doubt Sunshine In Paris can measure up in an Everest and says the lightly raced mare is yet to peak.
“That’s next level. It was a good Everest audition that’s for sure,” Maloney said.
“To think that she’s come back even better than last prep, even though she was a Group One winner in her first prep and getting better with time, it’s pretty hard to say where the ceiling is.”
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...