3 minute read

A deep midweek card at Warwick Farm has unearthed some promising types for the future.

Top jockey James Mcdonald has tipped Roots to stand up and be counted this campaign after her powerhouse first-up victory at Warwick Farm. 

The mare was among a trio of up-and-coming horses to stamp their quality on the midweek program as they prepare to springboard into bigger races. 

Runner-up to stablemate Fangirl in Listed grade 12 months ago, Roots didn't quite hit the mark when trainer Chris Waller raised the bar to Group level last preparation, her best performance a fifth in the Adrian Knox Stakes. 

But dropped back to midweek company, Roots ($2.40 fav) showed her class, spotting leader Twilight Affair ($2.50) a big start and chasing her down to win the Schweppes Handicap (1300m) by a half-length with Miss Hellfire ($5) third. 

"She has really strengthened and it's her time to shine now. I think she is in for a great preparation," McDonald said. 

"She goes super fresh and that's what she showed today. They were off and gone so it was a big, big win under the weight (60.5kg)." 

Beautifully bred filly Cinderella Days also won in the manner of a horse destined for better things, leading throughout in the Vinery Stallions Handicap (1200m) to remain undefeated after two starts. 

While the three-year-old is still a work in progress, trainer Joe Pride can see parallels between the daughter of 2012 Coolmore Classic winner Ofcourseican and Regal Cheer, who he trained to win the same Group 1 race six years earlier. 

"She's very exciting. I have been thinking she is the best filly in our yard for a little while now," Pride said. 

"She reminds me a lot of Regal Cheer….she won a Coolmore, this filly's mother won a Coolmore. I think she's that kind of mare." 

Snowden Racing's headstrong filly Ebhaar was also a shining light on Wednesday, back in the winner's stall for the first time since last year's Listed Merson Cooper Stakes with a narrow but valiant victory over a brave Nasturtium. 

Winning jockey Tommy Berry said Ebhaar got into a nice rhythm despite racing three-wide outside the speed and the win would provide an important confidence boost. 

"Hopefully she can get back to where she was earlier and contest some of those big races during the spring," Berry said. 

Classy mare Roots arrives in time!@mcacajamez with a well timed ride for @cwallerracing. pic.twitter.com/UPSME25VI4

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 31, 2022

Cinderella Days maintains her spotless record!@brentonavdulla with a nice front running ride for the @PrideRacing yard. pic.twitter.com/FosnOLw2dG

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 31, 2022

Ebhaar is too tough and comes away with a good win!@TommyBerry21 with a great ride for the @SnowdenRacing1 team. @EmiratesPark pic.twitter.com/89kVJKXoTI

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 31, 2022