Crown fits for Winx’s baby sister

City Of Lights stamped her class at Hawkesbury, landing a vital stakes win in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) to enhance an already exceptional pedigree page.

The daughter of Deep Impact and half-sister to Winx lived up to her breeding by digging deep late to score under Chad Schofield, much to the satisfaction of trainer Joe Pride.

“I’ve got to say, I have never had a horse with a pedigree like hers,” Pride said.

“It’s a pedigree made in heaven. A half-sister to Winx by one of the best stallions ever to stand on the planet.

“That doesn’t guarantee they’re going to be good horses but she is a good horse. It is nice to see her coming good as an older mare, which she is probably bred to do, but a massive win to add to her CV today.”

City Of Lights ($6) settled beautifully from a soft draw and launched over the top of Tashi ($4.80) late, with Lady Laguna ($2.80 fav) holding third.

The mare is now two runs into her preparation, having returned with a placing at Randwick last month. Pride felt that run was pivotal.

“I’d said to John, I’d really like to give her a run before we get to Hawkesbury in case we get testing conditions and I think that run held her in really good stead for today,” Pride said.

“A big result. Job is not done yet. I’d love to take her to Queensland.”

Schofield said the mare had continued to build nicely in recent months and was relishing her racing.

“It was a really nice win. She’s a beautiful mare, a stunning horse to ride,” Schofield said.

“I did all the trials this preparation and I’ve won on her in previous preps and she’s just continued to get better.

“Today, with a good draw, we made the most of it and had the run of the race and she was sharp.”

Pride’s successful day continued with Dragonstone’s tough win in the Listed Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m), narrowly holding off stablemate In Flight despite a wide draw and topweight.

“The stablemate had her chance to get past him seemingly but he wouldn’t lay down and he had to give her six-and-a-half kilos so it was a fair effort,” Pride said.

“But that’s him. He is a courageous, seasoned old horse and they’re the benchmark for these younger horses on the way up to get past.”