Fiesta has stamped herself as a filly to follow through spring by winning the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) first-up at Royal Randwick this afternoon.
The I Am Invincible filly was a strong and consistent performer for Chris Waller as a two-year-old and won the Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m) first-up before a number of other impressive performances and results amongst black type company.
She was all but forgotten in Silver Shadow Stakes betting in the lead-up to jump and was taken back by jockey Kerrin McEvoy as Ready To Prophet, Meryl and Adamina dictated the early terms on-pace.
Enjoying a carefree run behind the early tempo, McEvoy produced the filly as the field turned for home and was greeted with a huge turn of foot as Fiesta found clear running and flew home; hitting the line well to beat a fast-finishing Outback Barbie ($4) and Futooh ($7.50)
McEvoy delivered a perfectly-timed ride aboard Fiesta to win the Silver Shadow Stakes and believes that the filly will only improve from the run.
“She’s grown up a lot – she’s more developed and has strengthen up and mentally she’s grown up a bit too,” McEvoy said after the race.
“Chris and his team have been really happy with her, she trialled well and I’m not surprised she did that today because we had a really soft draw.
“It was important to try and make use on the draw, I had the first run on them and she was full of running when I asked her and was quite soft in the end, so she’s in for a really good campaign.
“Really pleased to win on her here today.”
In being named the 2018 Silver Shadow Stakes winner, Fiesta has extended her record to two wins and four minors from only seven competitive appearances.
Outback Barbie was caught on the rail halfway up the straight, but produced a big sprint to finish a half-length second and will only improve from the run, while Futooh was impressive up the middle of the track to round out the minors.
Race favourite Oohood will take plenty of benefit into her second-up assignment and will be right in the finish next time out with appropriate luck in running.