The normally measured Guy Walter was rolling out superlatives for Skyerush after the mare gave him his first Liverpool City Cup win at Warwick Farm.
The 1300m Group Three race is an important part of Chipping Norton Stakes day and seven-year-old Skyerush is an integral part of Walter’s Warwick Farm stable.
Blake Shinn also earned plaudits for taking Skyerush ($14) to the front when she jumped well and created her own tempo.
Riva De Lago ($5) challenged in the final 200 metres but Skyerush dug deep to fight him off and win by a half neck.
“She is a fantastic mare and she is underrated,” Walter said.
“She just got nutted in a Group One race in Brisbane and she was unlucky in the Myer Classic.
“I had no idea she would be in front but Blake took the initiative and rode her superbly.
“I’m thrilled for the mare and for her owner Susie Castle-Roche who bred her.
“Skyerush is a model of consistency and I’m excited to win this race because I’ve never won it before.”
Skyerush was beaten a short head by Pear Tart in the Tatt’s Tiara last winter and finished fourth in the dead-heat in the Myer Classic won by her stablemate Appearance in the Myer Classic.
The Liverpool City Cup was her first start since her second in the Summoned Stakes in November.
Walter said she would likely head to the Group One Queen Of The Turf (1500m) on April 6 before a defence of the Group Two Emancipation Stakes (1600m) three weeks later.
The winner of the Liverpool City Cup gains automatic entry to the Doncaster Mile but Skyerush won’t be there.
“She is not in the Doncaster but we could take her back to Brisbane,” Walter said.
“The Emancipation at set weights and penalties suits her.
“She is a fabulous mare.”
Skyerush is by unfashionable American stallion Super Jet out of unraced Balmerino mare Bally Aura.
