Trainer Symon Wilde and the connections of Sirileo Miss made the right call in electing to head to the final night meeting of the Moonee Valley season.
Sirileo Miss collected her fourth ‘black type’ victory and first at Group 2 level when she was successful in the Sunline Stakes (1600m) on Friday night.
Wilde had considered a start for the mare in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on Saturday but reasoned the Sunline Stakes, that carried a first prize of $180,000 was a better option.
Taken straight to the front by Ben Melham, Sirileo Miss ($3.50 betr) scored a 5-½ length win from the $3.10 favourite Revolutionary Miss with Deny Knowledge ($9) a half-head away third.
Stable spokesman Liam Hoy said Sirileo Miss may now get her chance at a Group 1 win, heading to Sydney for the Queen Of The Turf (1600m) at Randwick on April 8.
“You can’t deny what she’s just done on back-to-back occasions so we might have to hitch up the float and head up to Sydney in a couple of weeks,” Hoy said.
“There’s a mile there, weight-for-age for fillies and mares in a couple of weeks, so she deserves her chance.
“She’s exceeded everyone’s expectations. She’s a lovely mare.”
Hoy said Sirileo Miss was a $60,000 purchase and after Friday night’s victory her prize money now tops $915,000.
“Symon loved her from day dot and at home he’ll be chuffed,” Hoy said.
“He’s got the young family now and I’m sure he’ll be as proud as punch for the team.”
Melham said a couple of rival jockeys rode their mounts out of character in a bid to blunt Sirileo Miss’ prowess at the mile, only to bring their hopes undone.
“She can sit on top of a strong gallop and bring everything off the bit,” Melham said.
“She quickens down so she puts everything she’s got into her races and, like I said, not many horses can gallop and do everything like she does.
“You’ve got to ride her a bit unorthodox, but it certainly suits her. She’s a very tough mare who has done a good job today.”
