Regan Bayliss has described Sky Command as one of the toughest mares he has ridden after she outmuscled a smart field to win her second black-type race this campaign.
The four-year-old has been in a purple patch of form for trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, taking out the Group 3 The Nivison on a heavy track four starts ago and placing at her subsequent two runs before again getting the job done in Saturday’s Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) at Randwick.
“She is one of the tougher mares I’ve ever ridden,” Bayliss said.
“She has been running well over 1100-metres (but) me, Gerald and Sterling all thought at 1200-metres she would be able to show a little more dash, be able to travel and control the race and quicken at the top of the straight as she did today.
“She was very game and once we topped the rise, she showed a good turn of foot.”
Sky Command was considered a wet track specialist earlier in her career but has shown versatility to race well on firm surfaces throughout the spring.
After landing a valuable Group 3 placing first-up in the Toy Show Quality then failing behind Shades Of Rose at her next start, consideration was given to sending her to the broodmare barn.
But fortunately for connections, they kept Sky Command in training and she has gone from strength to strength with Alexiou now facing the dilemma of whether to make hay while the sun shines or put her away for the autumn.
“I just can’t fault her at the minute so I’m a bit inclined not to send her to the paddock,” Alexiou said.
“We could think about a wildcard into the Magic Millions, but we want to look at what’s around in the autumn for her too and not be too taxing on her this preparation.
“It’s only our first preparation with her basically. Hopefully with a bit of a break she improves as well.”
Sky Command ($11) gave a good kick topping the rise and defied all challengers, defeating Waihaha Falls ($4.20) by three-quarters of a length with Brigantine ($3 fav) another half-head away.
