3 minute read
Exploring has got favourite backers off to a perfect start winning the opening race at Flemington.
The Blue Diamond series is high on the agenda for Godolphin and James Cummings following the debut win of Exploring at Flemington.
Making her racecourse debut, Exploring overcame a few wayward moments to take out the New Year Sprint (1000m) on Sunday.
Sent out the $2.15 favourite under Craig Williams, Exploring registered a three-quarter length win over Picky ($9) with Ode To Joy ($4.40) the same margin away third.
Cummings' Melbourne assistant-trainer Sean Keogh said Exploring had done a 'super job' to win on debut leading throughout on the straight 1000m course.
"She looked like a cobra in the barriers and pinged out," Keogh said.
"Craig did a lovely job to get her to the rail. He didn't rush her there. He was patient in the mid-stages, and she showed a good kick and put them away in good style.
"It's no easy task on a big wide-open track and to be beat them off like that, it was a really stylish performance."
Keogh said he had received a text message from Cummings to suggest the filly's division of the Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) at Sandown on January 26 was potentially Exploring's next start.
He said the long run home at Sandown would suit the Exploring after her win up the straight on Sunday.
"She's super precocious and at Sandown it's more of a dog leg turn rather than a corner and that might be suitable," Keogh said.
Williams said Exploring showed some substance in her win after some wayward moments.
"James spoke to me this morning and was very confident in the horse's ability and that she will come on really well from the race," Williams said.
"We saw how she had a look around, but once placed under pressure we wanted to see what substance she had, and in the end, she won with authority."
Exploring strikes
— Racing.com (@Racing) January 1, 2023
The first favourite for 2023 salutes at Flemington@godolphin @CWilliamsJockey pic.twitter.com/Nnqg160uSg
