Gary Portelli and Jason Collett have combined with Kimochi (+550) to take out the Group 3 Toy Show Quality on resumption at Randwick on Saturday afternoon.
The four-year-old mare maintained her strong fresh record with a third win from five fresh runs, as she proved too strong for her rivals over the 1100m trip.
The daughter of Brave Smash jumped smartly from her barrier and put herself on speed; however, when Collett tried to ease back, they were caught three-wide without cover.
The Black Cloud (+340) and Dancing Alone (+1200) led the field to the home turn, but within a few strides, Kimochi took over and ran away from the slowing leaders.
Commemorative (+150) and Mumbai Muse (+1100) challenged the winner in the final 100m but Collett got everything out of Kimochi late and just held on to win by a long neck.
2024 Toy Show Quality replay – Kimochi
Gary Portelli was on course to speak about Kimochi in his post-race interview.
“Fantastic start to her preparation, a great win today for Yulong,” Portelli said.
“Great to be associated with Yulong with such a good mare, I’ve said that she was going to improve off whatever she did today and off whatever she’s done before, because she’s never had a decent spell.
“She’s been racing nearly forever, and this is the first time she’s come in a good two or three months under her belt.
“I was pretty confident that she was after these horses when you saw the opposition that had been winning today.
“She’s been amongst these horses every time she’s raced. So today was her day, and she did a great job.
“No luck at all, three deep no cover the trip and still did the job, so she’s a pretty good mare.
“I’m pushing for an Everest slot, she’ll get better with racing.
“Every trainer wants to have a runner in the Everest, there’s no doubt about that, we are a long way from there but you are allowed to dream.”
Jason Collett was very happy with the win, and he spoke post-race.
“It’s amazing what a break does, she’s just a powerhouse, she never dropped the bridle at all,” Collett said.
“I was afraid of how strong she was traveling on the speed, but when I let her go, she really let down.
“She’s been able to have a break, a decent break, from her three-year-old season and it’s really helped.
“I was more happy to be there (three-wide) than on the inside.
“Found that out from the inside gates all day.
“So, you know, probably happy to be there, but you know, you are always sitting duck late when you are first up.
“Gary and the team have done a great job with her.”
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