City Of Lights has added significant value to her future as a broodmare by claiming a black-type win in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m), underlining her class and pedigree.

A half-sister to legendary mare Winx and by champion Japanese sire Deep Impact, City Of Lights was always destined to turn heads. Trainer Joe Pride couldn’t hide his appreciation for having such a well-bred mare in his stable.

“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.”

Chad Schofield made full use of a favourable draw to settle City Of Lights in the perfect spot. The mare responded strongly, overhauling Tashi ($4.80) to win by a narrow margin, with Lady Laguna ($2.80 fav) two lengths back in third.

The win came second-up for the John Camilleri-owned five-year-old, having finished runner-up at Randwick in a lead-up run that Pride believed was vital.

“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 has ridden City Of Lights throughout her preparation and praised the mare’s professionalism and development.

“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 strong day continued with Dragonstone’s tenacious win in the Listed Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m), where he narrowly held off stablemate In Flight.

Carrying 59.5kg and overcoming a wide alley, Dragonstone dug deep to notch another black-type win for the stable.

“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.”