Chris Waller & Jason Collett have combined with Firestorm ($7.00) to claim the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with the returning mare showing a blistering turn-of-foot in the concluding stages to secure the $300,000 prize.
The daughter of Satono Aladdin was well-supported with horse racing bookmakers prior to the jump, with the four-year-old boasting an impressive first-up record of four starts for three wins fresh, as well as an undefeated record when racing at Rosehill.
She was aided by a genuine tempo in the 1300m feature, as Watch My Girl ($7.00) strode to the top under Alysha Collett from barrier two, while the heavily backed $1.60 favourite with Neds, Makarena pressed forward to sit on her outside.
The pair were quickly niggled along turning for home, while Firestorm’s stable companion Scarlet Oak looked to travel comfortably on the three-wide line before taking over under Zac Lloyd.
Dark Glitter ($34.00) cut back to the inside and didn’t go around the horse as she appeared to be finishing best, while Firestorm surged down the middle of the course.
It was Firestorm getting the verdict in the end, adding a fifth career victory to the resume and kicking off the autumn campaign in stylish fashion.
Chris Waller was on course at Rosehill to break down the win.
“Each time she’s stepped out first up basically she’s won,” said Waller.
“Lovely ride from Jason (Collett), she was well prepared for the race today, two trials and we expected her to show something but to win a Group 2 it was a big step up for her.
“It was a lovely patient ride from Jason. There wasn’t a lot of speed. He didn’t panic and got her out at the right time.
“I would say 1500m to a mile (is her best distance). We got away with 1300m today fresh but we have tried her over further and she hasn’t been quite as effective.”
Jason Collett was delighted with the victory as he spoke post-race.
“She was really well today,” said Collett.
“She was in a great frame of mind and even in the run, albeit three pairs back, moderate tempo, I still felt I was going to be running on strongly.”
“Makarena is obviously a good horse, sitting up outside the lead, dictating the speed. I was a little concerned, but she had that extra gear and when I got to them at the 150m, she just went on with it.
“That was pretty good.”
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