Lightly raced filly Summer Flame caused a major upset in the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes at Scone, rewarding owners Rosemont Stud with valuable black-type success.

Sent out at a massive $61, the three-year-old was making her NSW debut after three runs in Victoria, where she had registered a midweek metro win and a pair of placings. On Saturday, she stepped up to stakes level with confidence, surging to the lead in the straight and holding off $4.60 betting companies joint favourites Gerringong and Thames in a thrilling finish where less than a length separated the top six fillies.

Previously known for racing on the pace, Summer Flame was ridden more patiently by Jeff Penza after connections opted for a conservative plan for the 1100m test.

“She is a filly who is a bit highly strung so we asked Jeff to look after her and just basically work with her and try to be as economical as he can with her,” said Charlie Duckworth, representing trainer Chris Waller.

“She was a massive price but she came up from Melbourne where she raced for us last preparation with a bit of a wrap on her.

“She has performed well in all three starts down there. It’s obviously a big step up into Listed grade but she was a slow developing type, which the Written Tycoons can be, and she has taken it in her stride.”

Duckworth also acknowledged Penza’s dedication, noting he had ridden trackwork at Rosehill earlier that morning before making the trip to Scone.

“Jeff was actually riding trackwork for us this morning so he has put in the hard yards recently and it’s great for him to get a reward like this,” he said.

“Rosemont will be absolutely delighted. Where she goes from here, Chris can work that one out, but very happy, we will take it for today.”

Penza was impressed by how well the filly travelled throughout the run.

“She travelled really nicely and she started to travel better the further we went into the race,” Penza said.

“By the time we straightened up I was looking for somewhere to go.

“She is on her way up, I think.”

Those who backed Summer Flame at long odds were handsomely rewarded, and punters can keep track of her future runs via Australia’s best betting sites.