Racing in wide at Rosehill proved no disadvantage earlier on the Rosehill programme and Jason Collett had no hesitations doing the same as Firestorm snatched victory in the Millie Fox Stakes.
A first black-type win for the four-year-old daughter of Japanese sire Satono Aladdin, Firestorm’s future broodmare potential was boosted by this Group 2 victory in the fillies and mares feature over 1300-metres.
“Lovely ride from Jason, she was well prepared for the race today,” trainer Chris Waller said.
“Two trials and we expected her to show something but to win a Group 2 it was a big step up for her.”
Firestorm ($7.50) won by a narrow long-head margin over $31 betting app chance Dark Glitter with Scarlet Oak ($10) 1½-lengths away in third.
Short-priced favourite Makarena ($1.65) finished just outside of the placings in fourth with Collett recognising the significance of his mare having the wood over the public elect.
“She was really well today,” Collett said of Firestorm.
“She was in a great frame of mind and even in the run, albeit three pairs back with a moderate tempo, I still felt I was going to be running on strongly.
“Makarena is obviously a good horse, sitting up outside the lead, dictating the speed. I was a little concerned, but she had that extra gear and when I got to them at the 150 metre mark, she just went on with it.
“That was pretty good.”
“I thought she was great first-up,” Tyler Schiller said of Makarena’s effort.
“Just had to do a bit too much work from the gate.”
Firestorm delivered Chris Waller his seventh win in the Millie Fox Stakes since 2012.