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| Staff Writer |
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After her impressive victory in the Group two US$400,000 Golden Pendant at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday, trainer Chris Waller believes Espiona may just have what it takes to compete in the world's richest turf race.
With the unexpected withdrawal of the long-time Everest favorite Giga Kick, trainers like Waller are now reconsidering their options and eyeing up in-form sprinters such as Espiona for the upcoming prestigious Randwick race next month. Waller, who currently has a vacant slot in The Everest, stated that Espiona is making a compelling case to be included in his selection.
"If we can't find a better one, she'll be there," Waller said of Espiona.
"The horse that beat her last start (Sunshine In Paris, Sheraco Stakes) has got a slot so we've got to work out where Espiona fits in.
"We won't say no, somebody might grab her before our slot, who knows? For (syndicator) Denise Martin and Star Thoroughbreds, I hope they do get a slot, it would be fantastic."
Espiona proved herself to be a remarkable racehorse during the Golden Pendant, showcasing her impressive skills and more. With a burst of speed, she dashed away from the competition, ultimately winning by a comfortable margin of 2½ lengths. Her stablemate, Atishu, put up a strong challenge but had to settle for second place, finishing 1¼ lengths behind Espiona. Banana Queen also displayed her racing prowess, securing a respectable third place with odds of $6.50.
Jockey Nash Rawiller flawlessly guided Espiona throughout the race, allowing her to take advantage of a favourable position. Despite Espiona's occasional questionable racing habits, she proved that her talent surpassed any concerns, as she effortlessly outperformed her competitors.
Espiona's triumph in the Golden Pendant solidifies her status as a force to be reckoned with in the racing world. Her extraordinary traits and exceptional performance make her a standout contender, deserving of the admiration and respect she receives from racing enthusiasts. The victory serves as a testament to Espiona's exceptional abilities and her strong partnership with jockey Nash Rawiller.
"We don't really care about how she races, as long as she lets down like that when you ask her," Rawiller said.
"She looks at the stands, at the winning post. It's like she's looking for her mother up in the stands, but what a motor she's got. She's just a very talented mare."
Espiona: A Rising Star In The Racing World
Espiona, who was previously unjustly dubbed the "next Winx," has significantly enhanced her racing achievements. With a remarkable record of six victories, including an impressive triumph in the prestigious Gr.1 Coolmore Classic, she has competed in a total of 15 races. Her exceptional performance has garnered over $1.1 million in prize money, solidifying her status as a highly successful racehorse.
Waller said Espiona "gets her head to the side but we're not that sure why she does it".
"In Melbourne it's not as noticeable but it is here in Sydney. But when she got clear of the horses she went straight, she's obviously saying something to her rivals," Waller said.
"I'm not sure what that is all about because when she got clear of the second horse she actually straightened up."
Waller acknowledged that Espiona has faced immense pressure and high expectations from the beginning of her racing career. He recalled a notable victory on Oaks day at Flemington a couple of years ago, which sparked a tremendous buzz around the horse. However, Waller humbly admitted that Espiona has occasionally disappointed her supporters. Nevertheless, he expressed his admiration for her remarkable first-up run, emphasizing that she has now proven herself once again.
When questioned about the possibility of Espiona participating in the Everest, Waller revealed that there are several significant race options available for her. He mentioned the Alan Brown Stakes, an event worth US$1.5 million, scheduled in two weeks' time. Additionally, Waller acknowledged that Espiona is on the cusp of becoming a contender for the Everest. However, he noted that the final decision ultimately lies with Denise, the owner, and the ownership group. Waller emphasized the importance of considering Espiona's ratings and how they compare to her performance on the day.
He highlighted that her sectional times were the best in the race, if not the entire day. Waller believed that if Espiona could compete directly over 1200m in the Everest, she would have a strong chance of finishing at the top.
Reflecting on the current situation, Waller mentioned that he had contemplated waiting for the last few Everest slots to open up. However, with Giga Kick recently securing a position, Waller acknowledged that it has made the decision-making process more complex.
In addition to Espiona's impressive display, Atishu showcased promising form and indicated a bright future for the upcoming spring campaign. Joao Moreira, the rider of Atishu, praised her performance but acknowledged that she was surpassed by a superior horse on the day.