Tomato Toastie far too hot for rivals at Randwick races

Tomato Toastie has rewarded a late decision to extend her preparation with a determined win at Randwick, giving her trainers another reason to look forward to an autumn campaign.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott had originally planned to spell the filly after a midweek maiden victory but changed course when she thrived post-race.

“We weren’t planning to run her again, but she bounced out of her last race so well that we thought we’d capitalise on it,” Bott said following Saturday’s Schweppes Handicap (1400m).

The daughter of Hellbent was well-rated by Regan Bayliss, sitting close to the pace before hitting the lead and fighting off a late surge from the favourite Crossbow ($2.70 betting fav) to score narrowly. Kokatahi ($8.50) finished a clear third.

“She was brave,” Bott said. “Quick turnaround, a testing trip, and she still found a way to win. That speaks volumes.”

Bayliss said the filly’s physical development is still in progress, but her attitude is already first-rate.

“She’s doing this all on natural ability and competitiveness,” he said. “She’ll be a different horse with more strength next prep.”

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