Connections of talented filly Sunrise are beginning to reap the rewards of their patience, with the rising star following up her record-breaking return at Kembla Grange with another dominant display at Randwick.
Under the care of Mitchell Beer, Sunrise set a new 1000m course record first-up at her home track before stepping out in Saturday’s Midway Handicap (1100m), where she showed her rivals a clean set of heels once again.
Taking up the running under Rachel King, the $1.80 favourite quickened clear in the straight to score by 2-3/4 lengths over Oakfield Badger ($8.50), with Everyone’s A Star ($5.50) finishing a long head further back in third.
Bought for $45,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Broodmare Sale, Sunrise originally hailed from New Zealand, and Beer said she needed an educational preparation in the spring to unlock her potential.
“I must thank the ownership group. Last preparation we knew how fast she was and we knew how good she was, but I said to them, ‘she’s not physically ready and not mentally ready’,” Beer said.
“When we got her, all she wanted to do in her trackwork was bolt and she also wanted to go in her races.
“We had to bite the bullet and teach her to settle so we could do this.”
Now unbeaten in two starts this time in, Sunrise is being aimed towards the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone next month.
Beer revealed that he had briefly considered a tilt at black-type company in Brisbane this weekend but opted for the safer option at Randwick.
“I had her in a Listed race in Brisbane today and she drew thirteen and obviously this looked a far better option,” he said.
“But I might take her to Scone and give her a crack while she is still three, see if she is up to that level.”
King was full of praise for the filly’s new-found composure, noting how well she responded mid-race before unleashing her sprint.
“I like the way I gave her a squeeze, but then mid-race she came back and got a couple of nice ones in there where I felt her take a couple of deep breaths and was able to get to the top of the rise quite comfortably.
“She feels like she will do better on a faster track. She is very genuine and very honest.”
