Leading apprentice Chad Schofield had high hopes ahead of his ride aboard Secluded at Warwick Farm on Saturday, and the filly delivered despite a wide run.
The Paul Messara-trained three-year-old edged out Jester’s Girl ($8) by a nose in the Liverpool Catholic Club Handicap (1200m) with Savannah Dancer ($6) half a length away third.
The victory was the third in a row for Secluded who is a half-sister to Group One winner Melito who was sold for $1.65 million at the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale earlier in the week.
Schofield said he instantly fell in love with Secluded ($5.50) after partnering her in her last-start win at Randwick on May 20.
“When I got off her that day I knew she was pretty good but today she had no luck,” Schofield said.
“She was three wide the whole way, she got lost around the bend while the second horse (Jester’s Girl) has skipped clear.
“But once she got balanced up in the straight she let down well.
“I knew I was on the best horse, she was too good.”
Messara wasn’t on track to celebrate the win because of commitments in England where he’s preparing Ortensia for the Group One King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot on June 19.
Stable foreman Barry Wintle echoed Schofield’s comments about Secluded’s wide run, but said she had a promising future.
“I don’t think she really handled the Warwick Farm bend all that well today but she showed her quality the last bit there,” Wintle said.
“She’s got a beautiful stride and closed late and thankfully, like a lot of the Hussonets, they get their head right down on the line.”
Wintle said the filly would head to the paddock for a short break before chasing black-type wins later down the track.
“She’s done a mighty job and she’s worth a lot of money,” he said.
