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| Staff Writer |
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A late selection by Chris Waller this year. He had chosen Nature Strip last year without a drop of hesitation. Although one slot holder, Yulong Investment, is yet to make their fortuitous choice as this publication goes to press, Alcohol Free seems to be their chosen one.
Reiging champion Giga Kick was scratched from the event in late September. The withdrawal opens an additional slot in the race. This opportunity is something the leading syndicator and Star Thoroughbreds Principal Denise Martin was able to take advantage of.
Martin’s horse, Espiona, is well-suited for the event at Randwick. “This is especially true”, Martin said, “if you ask the horse herself”.
“She’s self-opinionated,” Martin continued with a smile.
“She’s a great talent. She has some quicks, as commentators would say, but she’s a fast mare. She runs very fast times in her races.”
Martin has an intuitive feel for which horses can be successful in these races. She has found great success on the track since her beginnings in the sport in the early 1990s.
Espiona’s Proven Expertise
Although self-opinionated, some of Espiona’s confidence is quite well-earned. We cannot forget Espiona has won a Group One race. She has also collected 15 victories and over A$1 million in prize money during her career.
During a Sept. 23 race at the Golden Pendant at Rosehill, Espiona overcame a poor position early to score a 2.5-length victory. The mare also came second to Sunshine In Paris in the Sheraco Stakes. Annabel Neasham’s stable star picked up an Everest slot after that race.
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Martin believes that Espiona has an opportunity to take on a busy schedule. There is an opportunity for her to run in the Sydney Stakes in October and a few races in Melbourne in November. In addition, Espiona could make her way to a Royal Ascot race. But Martin emphasised she trusts Waller’s decision-making with the schedule.
“We’re always guided by Chris,” Martin said. “He makes the right call all the time. If he were to feel that Espiona or one of our other emerging talents, were in his mind to the level of talent that would enable the horse to be able to perform well there, we would be there instantly. But because the prize money in Australia is so good, particularly at this time of year, the focus is very much local. The horses can earn anything up to A$5 or A$10 million through this period alone.”
Martin always has her research done. That helped her find Espiona. It has also been a strong part of her success since she left tourism to be involved in racing. “I would try to buy maybe 12 or 14 yearlings at Magic Millions if I could,” Martin said. “It’s become an international event now. With the high-quality yearlings they sell, they are very experienced. Espiona cost me A$190,000, but she’s already made a million and is probably worth A$2 million.”
By Dean McHugh