The $3 million mare Ernaux is finally beginning to realise her potential and has earned herself another season of racing after her victory at Royal Randwick today.
Trained by Chris Waller, Ernaux was afforded the run of the race by jockey James McDonald and continued her rapid improvement with a strong performance in the Laurel Oak Supporter of NJT Handicap (1100m).
Despite being a valuable broodmare prospect due to her superb breeding, Waller is resisting the urge to test Ernaux at stakes level, even with her recent surge in form.
“Ernaux was nearly retired a few months ago but she has found some really good form in recent weeks,” Waller stated. “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.”
Ernaux, who started at $4.20, drew the inside barrier and McDonald settled her in third behind the leaders. Well into the straight, the mare burst between runners to narrowly beat the consistent Kimberley Secrets ($12), winning by nearly a length, with West Of Dalby ($21) finishing fast for third.
McDonald commented that Ernaux thrives on firm tracks and is gaining confidence, securing her second city win from her past three starts this campaign.
Ernaux, a $3 million yearling purchase from Inglis Easter Sale three years ago, is by Yarraman Park’s elite sire I Am Invincible out of the Oakleigh Plate winner Booker.
She would typically have been the sale-topper, but this was the year a $10 million yearling, a Pierro filly out of the renowned racemare Winx, sold for a record $10 million.
The Winx filly, named Quinceanera, unfortunately never raced due to injury and has since been retired to stud.
Ernaux had also seemed destined for the breeding barn after just one midweek maiden win from 16 starts, but she has delayed retirement with recent Randwick wins over 1200m and 1100m.
While Waller might harbour stakes ambitions for Ernaux next preparation, Kembla Grange trainer Joseph Ible is aiming high this spring following Barrengarry’s impressive return to racing.
Barrengarry recorded his third win from just six starts by sprinting brilliantly fresh to take out the Midway Handicap (1400m).
Star jockey Zac Lloyd timed his finishing run to perfection on Barrengarry ($5.50), who finished strongly to beat Vexxy ($9) by just over a length, with the early leader Felix Majestic ($3 favourite) holding on for third.
Ible revealed his plans to target 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 said. “We feel the Coongy is the right race for this horse.”
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