The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Sunshine In Paris ($3.90) has made it back-to-back wins in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, all but assuring herself a slot in the $20 million Everest (1200m).
The daughter of Invader returned first-up after a 147-day spell on Saturday, and although she was giving race-day fitness away to most of her rivals, including the short-priced favourite Joliestar ($1.80), it simply didn’t matter.
The classy five-year-old was dragged back towards mid-field under Tommy Berry, bidding his time in behind a hot tempo courtesy of New Zealand import Belclare ($16.00).
Makarena ($5.00) was well-supported prior to the jump and was given every chance slotting onto the back of the leader, while Mumbai Muse ($18.00) was the first to make strong inroads turning for home.
Mumbai Muse hit the front with 200m left to travel, but Sunshine In Paris let down with a blistering turn of foot to claim victory, while Joliestar was left a shade flat-footed second-up.
It was all honours to the winner considering the setup on Saturday, and now it’s full steam ahead towards the Everest in five weeks’ time as co-trainer Annabel Neasham confirmed post-race while praising the team’s consistent mare.
“You looked at her and you went you’re going to take some improvement today but my goodness gracious. That’s a statement. She’s back in business,” said Neasham.
“I knew she was never going to be pick of the yard today but to do that today first up. She’s probably not quite as wound up as I had her in the Sheraco 12 months ago because we needed a slot then but we’ve got one this year so we’ve just managed to go really slowly with her this preparation and we thought this would just be perfect.
“She goes so well fresh but we thought we’d run her here and then probably straight to the Everest in five weeks and that was a pretty good performance.”
“I’d like to just go straight there because she does go so well fresh, that was always the plan last year as well. So see how she comes through, we’ve got a bit of time up our sleeve.”
Tommy Berry gave her a glowing endorsement post-race as well, suggesting there’s more to come from Sunshine In Paris.
“I’m not sure if I’m smiling about today or what’s to come with her,” said Berry.
“You saw in the yard, she has just got so much improvement when it comes to her coat. I couldn’t hide my excitement after I galloped her last Saturday. She just put in one of those bits of work where you get goosebumps.
“She was the meat in the sandwich today. She was in the middle, she was taking Joliestar into the race and when I first let down I thought, well she can’t beat me because they don’t go any quicker than what I’m going. I just had to pick up Mumbai Muse, who I know very well and who is very tough.
“But it was like a target was put on her and she ran in towards her, she copped a smack over the head at the 100. She was just terrific.”
Sunshine In Paris is now on third line of betting at $8.00 with horse racing bookmakers for the Everest (1200m) on October 19.
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