Trainer Darren McAuliffe foresees a lucrative career for Chollima after the two-year-old posted an eye-catching win on debut at Belmont.
Flashing huge potential in the Book Your Christmas In July Celebration At Belmont-29 July Plate (1400m), the Starspangledbanner galloper stylishly delivered on Darren Mcauliffe’s high expectations.
Dragged back to last by jockey, Chris Parnham, Chollima let loose with a powerful finish down the outside to stamp herself as a horse of the future.
Starting at $4.10, Chollima had one length on the line from raging favourite, Ancient Guidance with another 3 ¼ lengths to third place getter, Happy As Larry.
“I’ve had pretty big raps on her for a while,” McAuliffe said.
“She’s a lovely filly and is only going to get better with experience.
“I think the world is her oyster and her future is over a lot further.
“We haven’t revved her up yet and will let her work it out herself.
“I was confident she was going to be able to get the job done today (Wednesday).
“I went all in with Starspangledbanner when he came to Australia and I think I’m going to be rewarded.”
Parnham, who partnered Chollima in three education trials, was quick to back up and support McAuliffe’s assessment of his filly.
In a sign of what the future potentially holds, Parnham said it takes a good horse to make up ground like she did from the back of the field.
“I knew we were going to let down really strong, I thought we were spotting the two fancies too much,” Parnham said.
“She exceeded my expectations, even though I always sort of thought she was really nice.
“She’s still learning her craft, but she’ll make a nice horse.”
Parnham later booted home Galancy for a double to share the riding spoils with champion jockey, William Pike.
Pike won on hot favourite, Cavallo Red for trainers Sean and Jake Casey and the Fred Kersley-trained Ambergate Rose.
