Ernaux, the $3 million mare, is finally starting to realise her potential and has earned another season of racing after her win at Royal Randwick today.
The Chris Waller-trained Ernaux was given the run of the race by James Mcdonald and continued her rapid improvement with a strong win in the Laurel Oak Supporter of NJT Handicap (1100m).
The superbly-bred Ernaux is already a valuable broodmare prospect but despite her recent form surge, Waller is resisting the temptation to test her at stakes level.
“Ernaux was nearly retired a few months ago but she has found some really good form in recent weeks,” Waller said.
“She has been up for a while but her improved form means she has probably earned herself another 12 months of racing.
“It would be unfair to test her at stakes level now given she has had a fair bit of racing this campaign.
“But if we give her a break soon, then we could look at getting her to stakes level next preparation.
Ernaux ($4,20 favourite) drew the rails barrier and McDonald settled her in third position behind the leaders until well into the straight where the mare burst between runners to edge out the very consistent Kimberley Secrets ($12) to win by nearly a length with West Of Dalby ($21) a fast finishing third.
McDonald said Ernaux appreciates firm tracks and is gaining confidence, scoring her second city win in three starts this campaign.
Ernaux is by Yarraman Park’s super sire I Am Invincible out of Oakleigh Plate winner Booker and cost $3 million as a yearling at the Inglis Easter Sale three years ago.
She would normally have been the sale-topper but this was the year of the $10 million yearling when the Pierro filly out of the great racemare Winx sold for a record $10 million.
The Winx filly was named Quinceanera but injury prevented her from ever racing and she has already been retired to stud.
Ernaux also seemed to be heading for the breeding barn after just one midweek maiden win from 16 starts but she has delayed retirement with Randwick wins over 1200m and 1100m in recent weeks.
Waller might have stakes ambitions for Ernaux next preparation but Kembla Grange trainer Joseph Ible is aiming high this spring after Barrengarry’s impressive return to racing.
Barrengarry scored his third win from just six starts when he sprinted brilliantly fresh to take out the Midway Handicap (1400m).
Star jockey Zac Lloyd timed his finishing run to perfection on Barrengarry ($5.50) who finished fast to beat Vexxy ($9) by just over a length with early leader Felix Majestic ($3 favourite) holding on for third.
Ible said his plans to aim Barrengarry at the Group 3 $240,000 Coongy Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield on October 14.
“We thought about entering for the Cups this spring but decided against it,” Ible said. “We feel the Coongy is the right race for this horse.”
