Ernaux's potential realised after Royal Randwick win

The $3 million mare Ernaux is starting to fulfil her promise, earning another season of racing following her recent triumph at Royal Randwick.

Conditioned by Chris Waller and expertly guided by James McDonald, Ernaux enjoyed a faultless run to secure a strong victory in the Laurel Oak Supporter of NJT Handicap (1100m), showcasing her significant improvement.

Although Ernaux, with her exceptional pedigree, is already a valuable prospect for breeding, Waller is exercising restraint and not rushing her into stakes company despite her current stellar form.

"Ernaux was nearly retired a few months ago but she has found some really good form in recent weeks,'' trainer Chris Waller revealed. "She has been up for a while but her improved form means she has probably earned herself another 12 months of racing."

"It would be unfair to test her at stakes level now given she has had a fair bit of racing this campaign. But if we give her a break soon, then we could look at getting her to stakes level next preparation."

Starting from the coveted rails barrier as the $4.20 favourite, Ernaux was settled by McDonald in third position just behind the leaders. In the latter stages of the straight, the mare powerfully burst through the field to edge out the tough Kimberley Secrets ($12) by nearly a length, with West Of Dalby ($21) finishing with vigour for third.

Jockey James McDonald commented that Ernaux responds well to firm racing surfaces and is gaining considerable confidence, marking her second metropolitan win in her last three outings this campaign.

Ernaux, a $3 million acquisition at the Inglis Easter Sale three years ago, is the daughter of Yarraman Park's prominent sire I Am Invincible and the Group 1 winner Booker.

She would typically have been the highest-priced yearling, but this sale year was dominated by the $10 million Pierro filly, out of the legendary Winx, which set a new record price.

The Winx filly, known as Quinceanera, unfortunately never raced due to injury and has since been retired to stud.

Ernaux had also been on a path towards the breeding barn after securing only one midweek maiden win from 16 starts. However, she has postponed that fate with successive Randwick victories over 1200m and 1100m in recent weeks.

While Chris Waller contemplates future stakes assignments for Ernaux, Kembla Grange trainer Joseph Ible is targeting significant races this spring following Barrengarry's impressive return to racing.

Barrengarry secured his third career win from just six starts with a dynamic sprint fresh in the Midway Handicap (1400m).

Star hoop Zac Lloyd judged his finishing run to perfection aboard Barrengarry ($5.50), who surged late to defeat Vexxy ($9) by just over a length. The early leader, Felix Majestic ($3 favourite), fought on gamely for third.

Trainer Joseph Ible expressed his intentions to aim Barrengarry at the Group 3 $240,000 Coongy Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield on October 14.

"We thought about entering for the Cups this spring but decided against it,'' Ible confirmed. "We feel the Coongy is the right race for this horse."

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