Speedy mare has given leading jockey Robbie Fradd the perfect farewell to riding in Queensland by winning the Listed Silk Stocking on the Gold Coast.
Fradd sooled the $3.40 favourite from the outside alley and they led throughout the 1200m race, scoring by 1-3/4 lengths ahead of Test The World ($4.80), with Sylpheed ($21) a further length away third.
Fradd leaves Queensland on Monday night to take up a riding contract in Mauritius for leading trainer Gilbert Rousset.
Trainer Mark Newnham had a sense of accomplishment after Anatola scored her first win in black-type company.
“It’s really satisfying to pick up some black type with this mare for her owner George Altomonte, who has been a loyal supporter of mine since I started training,” Newnham said on Saturday.
“I knew once this mare got to the front and pricked her ears she would find another gear when Robbie went for her in the straight.”
Before winning the Silk Stocking, Anatola set a track record for 1200m at Randwick, and Newnham is considering testing her over more ground during her Queensland campaign.
“She was strong at the end of the race so hopefully we can stretch her out to 1350m at Doomben in three weeks time and that will give us a good indication if she’s up to a race like the Tatts Tiara later in the carnival,” he said.
