Prominent owner Barrie Griffiths and his wife Midge have something to look forward to this spring with Kolonga who made a winning debut at Caulfield.
The two-year-old filly, a $75,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale graduate, became the first metropolitan winner from the first crop of her sire, The Galaxy winner Magnus, when she led all the way to win the Hyland Race Colours Hcp (1000m) by three-quarters of a length.
Ridden by Andrew Mallyon, Kolonga was a drifter in the betting ring from $9 to $13.
But she was too speedy for another first starter, Tasmanian filly Anniversary Belle ($9), with Affable ($4) a long head away third.
“She’s got a few race smarts. She wanted to wander up the straight and has got a bit to learn and a bit of maturing to do but she’s got a nice future,” co-trainer Mat Ellerton said.
“She’s always shown she can jump on the bunny but she’s still a bit hesitant and has a look around.
“She’ll be better with time, she’s all legs right now but she’ll fill out and be better for the spring.”
Ellerton said he would be guided by how Kolonga does as to whether she has another run before being spelled.
Ellerton and his training partner Simon Zahra completed a double in successive races when Star Of Giselle stepped up to 1600m for the first time in the echucamoama.com Hcp.
“Why haven’t we run her over 1600 metres before,” Ellerton questioned.
With stable apprentice Damian Lane in the saddle, The Reset mare was having her eighth run for the preparation but was suited by the more relaxed tempo and was never threatened.
Sent out $4.60 favourite, Star Of Giselle scored by three lengths from Ky’s The Limit ($5) with Sensational Report ($7.50) 1-3/4 lengths away third.
Ellerton said managing owner David Moodie had wanted to send the four-year-old to stud next spring but Saturday’s win may force a rethink.
Out of the dual stakeswinning Danehill mare Princesa, Star Of Giselle’s grand-dam is Group One winner Kapchat who also produced Group Three winner Kaphero.
“I’ll have a chat to the owners to see if she goes to stud or has break and has another crack. She’s not overraced,” Ellerton said.
The mare has had 13 starts for four wins and four placings.
