Semana (+340) has launched at her rivals to claim the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, continuing to build on an impressive return for the Ciaron Maher barn.
She was excellent first-up at Wyong on December 13 before heading to the Gold Coast on January 13, putting on a gutsy display to score by two lengths in the Listed Magic Millions Cup (1400m).
Jason Collett showed plenty of confidence in his mare tackling Group level for the first time in her four-year career, taking a mid-field sit to remain on the outside of race favourite Olentia (+160).
It was the Matthew Dale-trained Penthouse ($9.00) leading them up on a strong temp throughout the 1400m, while Either Oar (+900) wanted to put herself in the firing line early doors.
The Melbourne raider C’est Magique (+400) was able to gain the perfect economical run just in behind the leading pair and seemingly got every chance to let down under Tim Clark.
When the whips were cracking, Jason Collett pulled Semana to the middle of the course, while Tommy Berry on Olentia attempted to sneak along the inside running rail, possibly stopping her momentum at a crucial stage.
It was Semana, however, who would be the beneficiary, going on to score an impressive half-length victory and adding some additional black type to her already glowing resume.
2024 Group 3 Triscay Stakes Replay – Semana
Stable representative Johann Gerard-Dubord spoke on behalf of the Ciaron Maher stable and spoke to the quality win before giving mention to the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) would be the next major target.
“She’s going well,” said Gerard-Dubord.
“Obviously she was very good in Queensland. Gave her a bit of off time after that. Back in trip today, lovely ride from Jason (Collett). It’s good after he had an earlier incident on a horse on Wednesday (Growing Empire falling at Randwick-Kensington).
“He’s fine, good to have him on, lovely ride. She just keeps delivering, it doesn’t matter what the track is, what the distance is, where we ride her, she’s just a good horse.
“Hopefully there’s a bit more in store too. Taking her to the Coolmore Classic in four weeks time. It’s a handicap, the distance will suit and four weeks in between runs will be ideal.”
Jason Collett was delighted with the effort and credited the tactics throughout contributing to the victory.
“Ridden a bit quieter and her turn of foot seems to be pretty electric and powerful,” said Collett.
“Obviously dropping back to the 12(00m) today we were pretty sure that she would run it strong. So when I was in the position I was, I was quite happy to get out and get going a bit early.
“I had plenty of horse which is a good feeling that’s for sure. So I knew I had a strong finish and to see where the favourite (Olentia) was underneath, I was pretty happy.”
Semana is currently listed as a +1000 chance with top online bookmakers in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) on March 16.
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