James McDonald and team Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have combined with I Am Me proving too strong in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
It was another case of on-speed success at Randwick with the first three runners turning for home able to finish in the first four.
Coal Crusher (+4000) was able to find the rail from barrier three and looked to be traveling well enough for Tyler Schiller, while I Am Me was able to sit outside the leader for the duration of the 1200m journey.
Airman (+550) was cast wide for a large portion of the race and stuck on gamely to finish in the quinella spot, while Bella Nipotina (+380) showed her consistent best to fly into third position.
It was all honours to the winner, however, as I Am Me was able to bounce back from a disappointing showing in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) to claim victory on Saturday.
Ciaron Maher was on course to represent his stable and spoke to the consistency of I Am Me and stable companion Bella Nipotina.
“Both of them have been so consistent (the winner and Bella Nipotina – 3rd),” said Maher.
“I Am Me just got on the chewy a little bit last start and overdid it.
“James (McDonald) said he was going to ride her like Nature Strip prior to the race and he got it perfect. He got her relaxed, he got her out quickly, he got over nice.”
James McDonald was always assured his mare would give a strong kick and referenced her toughness throughout the race.
“She hightailed it out of the stalls,” said McDonald.
“Got a nice spot pretty early too and I backed it off. She had to be tough, but fast.
“She had to be tough late because they felt like they were surging, but gee she stuck her head out and had a crack.”
“Credit to the second horse (Airman) because I knew he was there. I accelerated brilliantly and he was stuck to me like glue. I was cursing about the furlong, but I was pretty happy over the line.”
The stable are yet to confirm what’s next for I Am Me, however, online bookmakers have installed her a +600 chance in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) on October 28.
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