Papillon Club has overcome a wide run to register an impressive maiden win at Geelong with the promise of better things to come.
The Cranbourne trained filly made the trip to Geelong on Wednesday to post an impressive victory in the McGrath Estate Agents Maiden Plate (1200m).
Ridden by Craig Williams, Papillon Club ($4.40) scored a widening 3-½ length win over the $3.40 favourite Colorado Cruz with Hellchat ($7) a long-head away third.
Jim Mason, representing trainer Greg Eurell, said Papillon Club had been ‘feeling her shins’ after her debut second at Cranbourne in July.
“She’s a filly that has always shown us a lot of ability,” Mason told racing.com.
“She only had one start as a two-year-old and she was just starting to feel her shins a little bit that day but was still good enough to run second.
“With the benefit of a good spell, her trackwork and trials have been solid, and Craig was happy with her last one which warranted him coming down to ride her.”
Mason said Papillon Club had thickened up and grown during her break, but he does not believe she will be a big robust filly.
“We probably won’t overtax her just yet,” Mason said.
“We may give her another one and hopefully pick up another win then give her a little freshen up and come back for the autumn.”
Williams got a feel of Papillon Club’s ability in a jumpout at Cranbourne before her return run and was immediately taken with the filly’s attitude.
He also felt she would appreciate being on top of the ground.
“She’s a lovely filly,” Williams said.
“I trialled her on heavy ground and I thought she had a great attitude, and on her performance, we were thinking she would probably quicken up better on top of the ground.
“She had no favours today. She was dominant and she’s an exciting girl that is going the right way.”
