Jye McNeil and Chris Waller have combined with Espiona to take out the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes over 1400m at Sandown, beating a very game Toregene by just over a length on the line.
Waller made the decision to bring his Extreme Choice mare back to Victoria where she had produced some her best performances and it has worked, with Espiona returning to the winners circle for the first time since April of last year.
Turaath set a solid tempo out in front, with Pride Of Jenni and Barb Raider following the leader, giving the eventual winner and runner-up a decent cart into the race as the field rounded the home turn.
Punters were on point with this mare returning to winning form on her Victoria return, as they launched into her late, seeing her backed in from $5 to $4.40 late with online bookmakers.
2023 Mannerism Stakes Replay – Espiona
Chris Waller’s head Victorian foreman, Jo Taylor, spoke post-race about Espiona potentially remaining in Victoria after her impressive win.
“Well, I believe on Tuesday when she worked left-handed in Sydney, she got a glowing report from the track rider,” Taylor explained.
“It was nice to see her come here and do it today.
“Her last start was certainly credible and really wasn’t in the greatest of track.
“She certainly showed that she likes Victoria.
“We also just re-irritated to Jye (McNeil) that she’s a filly that needs a little bit more space and a bit of time to wind up, so to me, it was more of a case of don’t get stuck on the fence.
Jye McNeil has recorded his first winner on Blue Diamond Stakes Day with a good book of rides to come, namely the current Oakleigh Plate favourite Asfoora in the last race.
“I was able to sit off that moderate tempo and build into the race in fresh air,” McNeil said.
“She had a good look around when we got in front, which would suggest that there was a bit left in the tank.
“Ridden with a bit of cover, you get to see that finish and that’s when she’s most effective.”
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