Just when the world was salivating over the win of Stay Inside at Randwick, about an hour later at Doomben MYSTIC GEM (Capitalist-Fine Mist) won by half a length.
But the manner in which she won the race suggested she might have enormous upside.
She sat on the rails behind the speed, then came across heels once they turned, but it was her last 150m which was outstanding.
She lowered her head like a stayer in the making, stretched out her skinny long legs and ran down the two leaders.
You can just see that 1200m or even further will suit her.
RUBIQUITOUS (Rubick-Novaspirit) who had won on debut, was on speed all the way and was a game 2nd while the heavily backed HAMLET VON SNITZEL (Snitzel-Shakespearean Lass) who also duelled on the pace from gate rise, was a close up 3rd.
They both ran very well and have futures.
But this $100,000 yearling purchase, Newcastle trained Mystic Gem, looks the star maker going forward.
Clearly, Kris Lees who trains her knew what he had and slipped her up to Doomben after being beaten in a barrier trial.
If so, those in the know relished the $6.50 on offer.
“She’s just a ready made racehorse,” said Matt Eggleston a Lees Stable rep.
“She arrived four days before run. Kris was very bullish about her chances.
“He phone me this morning to make sure she was in good shape and ready. He has a huge opinion of her.”
She ran a quick 61.01sec for the 1050m.
