Ciaron Maher believes the sky is the limit for Crystal Bound after her return win at Flemington, her first time on the straight course.
The daughter of Not A Single Doubt was having her third race start when she accounted for a good quality line-up of three-year-old fillies in the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) on Saturday.
Ridden by Jye Mcneil, Crystal Bound, the $3.30 favourite, held off a late bid from Flying Evelyn ($21) to score by a head with Dosh ($7.50) two lengths away third.
Crystal Bound was successful on debut at The Valley in March before travelling to Sydney for her second start, finishing second in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick.
Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, said Crystal Bound was a high-quality filly with a big action that will be improved with Saturday’s win under the belt.
“We took her to The Valley off one trial and she obviously was very impressive the first time out,” Maher said.
“So, we took a similar path this time around.
“She’s still a bit wintry in the coat and that will really bring her on. That’s probably why she probably doesn’t look as refined as when they’ve been in work a bit longer.
“She’s in for a great prep. She’s still quite raw and was off the bit there but her quality kicked in late, so the sky’s the limit for her.”
McNeil rode Crystal Bound when the filly was successful on debut and said Saturday’s performance was in contrast to her debut win.
“It was a different performance today compared to Moonee Valley,” McNeil said.
“She jumped on the speed and had the rail to follow at The Valley and was used to going around a bend.
“Today she was a bit lost with the first experience down the straight. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her extend over further distance this time in, but for her first-up, 1100 metres was perfect.”
