Racing wide at Rosehill didn’t pose a problem earlier in the day, and Jason Collett stuck to the same strategy as Firestorm surged to victory in the Millie Fox Stakes.
The four-year-old daughter of Japanese sire Satono Aladdin secured her first black-type win, enhancing her future as a broodmare with this impressive Group 2 triumph in the 1300m fillies and mares feature.
“Fantastic ride from Jason—she was well prepared for today’s race,” trainer Chris Waller said.
“She had two trials, and we expected a good run, but stepping up to Group 2 level and winning was a big leap for her.”
Firestorm ($7.50) edged out the $31 betting app outsider Dark Glitter by a long head, while Scarlet Oak ($10) finished 1½ lengths back in third.
Odds-on favorite Makarena ($1.65) missed the placings, finishing fourth. Collett acknowledged the significance of his mare outpacing the well-backed rival.
“She was in top shape today,” Collett said of Firestorm.
“She had a great mindset, and even though we were three pairs back with a moderate tempo, I always felt she’d be finishing strong.
“Makarena is a talented horse, setting the pace up front, so I had some concerns. But when I asked Firestorm to go at the 150m, she found another gear and powered home.
“That was impressive.”
Tyler Schiller, who rode Makarena, reflected on her fourth-place finish.
“I thought she was great first-up,” he said.
“She just had to do a little too much from the barrier.”
Firestorm’s victory marked Chris Waller’s seventh Millie Fox Stakes triumph since 2012.