It was all about trainer Michael Freedman both pre and post-race, as Madeira Sunrise proved too strong on debut, taking out the Listed Lonhro Plate.
It was an impressive victory; however, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the filly out of I Am Invincible, needing to pass a veterinary examination before the race even started.
An examination that would leave stablemate – Mexico – unable to compete after getting his leg up in the stalls, leaving just five runners for this year’s edition of the Lohnro Plate.
Madeira Sunrise was able to get a perfect start for James McDonald and sit in behind the leaders backs, despite looking to over-race throughout the 1000m journey, while the market elect – Sicilian – pinged the lids looking to lead throughout as most punters would’ve expected.
What punters may not have expected was the Anabel Neasham-trained Tawfiq Star to press forward as well, making it a genuine tempo, despite the late scratching of Mexico.
With that, James McDonald was able to peel out on a three-wide line turning for home to put his rivals to bed on this progressive two-year-old.
2023 Listed Lonhro Plate Replay – Madeira Sunrise
It was all honours the winner; as Michael Freedman spoke post-race about his classy filly and the disappointment of losing Mexico behind the barriers.
“It’s a shame, he’s never done anything like that in his two race starts and his two barrier trials. I’m not sure what the story was today but it’s disappointing,” said a dejected Freedman on his colt.
Meanwhile, he was glowing about the debut performance of his fily.
“She’s quite progressive and both her trials at Warwick farm were good trials without really being asked to do too much – I think there’s a but of improvement to come,” said Freedman, before commenting on where to next for Madeira Sunrise.
“If she comes through today we can look at one of the good fillies races coming up. Whether it’s the Resling or the Sweet Embrace.”
When asked about the prospect of a Golden Slipper tilt, Freedman was quick to maintain moderate expectations moving forward.
“I’d like to see her over the 1200m first – because that’s the key to it, but it’s certainly a good start to her career and a really nice filly.”
James McDonald spoke post-race about the win and seemed impressed by the debut.
“She’s a pretty green filly, she’s probably got plenty of upside,” said James McDonald.
“She just wanted to overdo it a fraction when the speed come back out of the race – She was strong. She had to out tough a Gai Bott horse (Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott) and she did a good job.”
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