Jockey Jye Mcneil was proven correct in his assessment of Sirena who appreciated the roomier Sandown circuit in recording her maiden win.
Sirena took out the Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Plate (1200m) on Wednesday having run below her best on the tighter Mornington track at her two runs this campaign.
“We never really wanted to be on such a tight track like Mornington, but the meetings were transferred there,” trainer Robbie Griffiths said.
“She wasn’t as comfortable there last start and Jye was pretty confident on the bigger track, where she could just take her time while she’s still learning what racing is about, would suit her and that was the case today.”
After opening favourite and easing in the betting to run the $3.30 second elect, Sirena scored by 1-¼ lengths from Controlled Zone ($9.50) with the heavily backed $2.80 favourite Astral Flame a short-half-head away third.
Yulong sire quinella at Sandown 💪
3YO #Pierata filly, Sirena (ex Fidelia) couldn’t be caught in the hands of @JyeMcNeil for @GriffithsRacing.
Yulong-owned 3YO son of #WrittenTycoon, Controlled Zone (ex Devious Rumor) was tough in second.
Well done! pic.twitter.com/oiLHXwJWcd
— Yulong Investments (@YulongInvest) January 29, 2025
Sirena was having her third start in less than three weeks and Griffiths said it was a credit to the filly that she was able to win on Wednesday.
“We didn’t think we would be running a young filly in such a quick time frame,” Griffiths said.
“She gave every indication that she would back up really well and that was evident in the mounting yard, and it was evident in the way that she won.
“Getting the easy lead helped her. She lost concentration when she got bottled up on the fence at Mornington, and Jye seemed to think this would really suit her today.
“He was proven right.”
Sirena is the first foal of the former handy mare Fidela, who Griffiths trained to win five races from 25 starts.
While Fidelia was not able to win at Stakes level, she was placed in Group 2 and Group 3 company on multiple occasions.
“Fidelia was a really good mare, but always had a bit of bad luck in Group races,” Griffiths said.
“She won four straight, including three at Flemington, as a three-year-old and she ran a lot of Group 2 and Group 3 placings, but then it would pour rain, and she never got her chance at Group 1 level.
“Fidelia was sold to Phoenix Thoroughbreds. They bred this filly, and we bought her back at the sales, and we were pretty happy to secure her.
“This is her first foal. She was a $250,000 purchase, but knowing the family really well, she will be a good investment.”
Griffiths said he had no lofty plans at this stage for the filly.
“Being her third run in quick succession, we may have to back off now, but we’ll see how she is,” Griffiths said.
