Denise’s Joy Stakes 2025 next stop for speedy Sunrise

Patience is beginning to pay handsome rewards for the connections of filly Sunrise, who kept her winning streak alive with another dazzling front-running display at Randwick.

After smashing the 1000m course record first-up at Kembla Grange, the Mitchell Beer-trained speedster was even more impressive when stepping up to city class in Saturday’s Midway Handicap (1100m).

Favourite at $1.80, Sunrise flew out of the gates under Rachel King, controlled the race from the front and kicked clear to win by 2-3/4 lengths over Oakfield Badger ($8.50), with Everyone’s A Star ($5.50) close behind in third.

Beer said the $45,000 Magic Millions Broodmare Sale purchase has always possessed raw speed, but it took time to teach her how to harness it properly.

“I must thank the ownership group. Last preparation we knew how fast she was and we knew how good she was, but I said to them, ‘she’s not physically ready and not mentally ready’,” Beer said.

“When we got her, all she wanted to do in her trackwork was bolt and she also wanted to go in her races.

“We had to bite the bullet and teach her to settle so we could do this.”

Sunrise’s next major goal could be the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone next month, with Beer happy to continue progressing her carefully.

“I had her in a Listed race in Brisbane today and she drew thirteen and obviously this looked a far better option,” he said.

“But I might take her to Scone and give her a crack while she is still three, see if she is up to that level.”

King was impressed by Sunrise’s ability to relax mid-race and finish off strongly, suggesting even bigger things could be ahead on better ground.

“I like the way I gave her a squeeze, but then mid-race she came back and got a couple of nice ones in there where I felt her take a couple of deep breaths and was able to get to the top of the rise quite comfortably.

“She feels like she will do better on a faster track. She is very genuine and very honest.”