It wasn’t the prettiest win, but Espiona has raced herself into contention for trainer Chris Waller’s Everest slot with a commanding performance in the Golden Pendant at Rosehill.
The quirky mare wanted to get her head to the side as she ranged up to eventual third placegetter Banana Queen but once jockey Nash Rawiller got her to focus her attention ahead, she bounded clear to score a runaway 2-1/2 length victory.
“She gets her head to the side and we’re not that sure why she does it,” Waller said.
“In Melbourne it’s not as noticeable but it is here. When she got clear of the horses she went straight, she’s obviously saying something to her rivals.
“But it was a good run first-up and it was a terrific win today.”
Espiona’s win in Saturday’s Racing And Sports Golden Pendant (1400m) followed a slashing first-up second to Sunshine In Paris in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m), the latter picking up an Everest slot after that performance.
Waller is yet to decide which horse will represent his Chris Waller Racing slot in next month’s feature sprint but says Espiona is in the mix.
“If we can’t find a better one, she’ll be there,” he said.
“The horse that beat her last start has got a slot so we’ve got to work out where she fits in. We won’t say no, somebody might grab her before our slot, who knows?
“Denise (Martin) and Star Thoroughbreds, I hope they do get a slot, it would be fantastic.”
Waller said he had been planning to sit back and wait on making an Everest call before the scratching of reigning champion Giga Kick on Saturday morning.
But that decision might need to be expediated with Giga Kick’s slot holder James Harron now back on the hunt and five spots still to be filled.
“I was thinking this morning, we’re down to the last couple and we’re in a good position to sit and wait,” Waller said.
“But now that Giga Kick has opened up a spot, it makes it a bit tricky.”
Espiona’s ($2.35 boombet fav) stablemate Atishu ($5) warmed up late to finish second, with Banana Queen ($6.50) another 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Rawiller said the winner’s habit of turning her head to the side didn’t matter as long as she put in performances like Saturday’s.
“It’s like she’s looking for her mother up in the stands, but what a motor she’s got,” Rawiller said.
“We don’t really care, as long as she lets down like that when you ask her. She’s just a very talented mare.”
