Sydney trainer Gerald Ryan arrived at the Gold Coast on Saturday hoping his former top juvenile Schiffer could repay the faith he had in her, and left the course adamant she was back to her brilliant best.
Schiffer was one of the leading two-year-olds of her generation but her form tapered off after she finished third to Karuta Queen in last year’s Magic Millions Classic.
Ryan admitted the Snitzel filly had been more than disappointing since her juvenile season but he quickly forgave her after she led throughout for a strong win in the $200,000 Magic Millions Sprint (1000m).
“She has been working the place down at home and her work on Tuesday was sensational,” Ryan said.
“But I never dreamt she could beat those horses when she’s only a Class 1 horse and she really surprised my by how quick she went.
“There were some very fast horses in that race and I expected her to settle third or fourth and finish it off.
“I know now the key to her is dry tracks. She doesn’t handle the wet at all and I’ll make sure I keep her to the firmer surfaces from now on.”
Schiffer bounded out of the barriers and crossed to lead with Gold Trail settling second and when winning rider Corey Brown asked her to extend rounding the corner she quickly put the issue beyond doubt.
Having her first run since September, Schiffer ($14) tired near the line but had enough in store to hold off the fast-finishing Seek And Find ($2.90 fav) to score a neck win with Nuptse ($7) 1-3/4 lengths back third.
Brown said he had to disregard his pre-race plan when Schiffer began so brilliantly but added she always travelled like the winner.
“She was consistent throughout the race. I planned to take a sit but she began very quickly and I was happy to lead when she found the front so easily,” he said.
AAP TURF
