Steel City has punched her ticket to the Golden Slipper next week in emphatic fashion, destroying her rivals in the Magic Night Stakes on Saturday.
It was redemption for favourite backers as Steel City never got clear running in this year’s edition of the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, finding herself a $6 chance with online bookmakers for the Golden Slipper after Saturday’s dominant display.
Jockey Regan Bayliss took all lucky out of the equation this time electing to press forward from the inside barrier and led them along at a steady tempo.
Once asked for an effort, Steel City obliged in turn, putting them to bed stylishly to score a 2.7 length win on the line.
Blanc De Blanc was another eye-catching effort into second and has to be considered unlucky throughout the preparation, unable to draw a gate, while August Bloom chased on impressively from the back of the field as well.
2023 Group 3 Magic Night Stakes Replay – Steel City
Steel City was a dominant winner in the end however, as trainer Ciaron Maher spoke post-race about the forgive run in the Blue Diamond before pressing onto the Slipper next weekend. He also talked about the bold instructions to lead.
“That happens sometimes in racing so hopefully it was all for the better and she pulls up well and we can make amends next week,” said Maher.
“Don’t let them cross just for the sake of letting them cross.
“The first furlong I think she ran a sub 11 (seconds) I thought ‘we might be going a bit hot here.’ But he pulled her back, I think she was 11.5 (seconds) the next furlong, she looked like she was traveling well.
“She’s won really well here today, she’s really at home here in New South Wales, she’s spent a lot of her time here.
“She’s settled back into the routine, the team have done a good job with her. Even after the run it was a big occasion for a two-year-old filly to run in a Diamond.”
Regan Bayliss was delighted with the win post-race as well.
“She’s just the ultimate professional,” said Bayliss.
“She’s not overly big, but gee she’s got a good motor on her. Blinkers have really switched her on. Didn’t get to see that last start but she was electric today, bounced out well and was always sitting in their hands and exploded when I asked her.”
When talking about her chances in the Slipper, Bayliss’ one word answer was empathic as to whether she can win the feature.
“Absolutely!”
More horse racing news
