Ryan Maloney & Annabel Neasham have combined with Sunshine In Paris (+700) to take out the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon.
The mare by Invader produced a stunning turn-of-foot from well-back in the field, causing a minor upset with the well-supported favourite pair, Zapateo (+140) and I Am Me (+290) disappointing followers.
Ryan Maloney had no issue taking the Group 1 winner back to the rear in a hotly contested race, as Cinderella Days (+2000) and Queen Of The Ball (+750) made sure it was a genuine gallop up on-speed.
This left I Am Me out on a three-wide line at a crucial stage which may have played a part in her disappointing performance.
Once the sprint went on though, there was only one horse making an impression to win, and that was Sunshine in Paris, while Espiona (+1500) was a flashing light in the quinella spot.
2023 Group 2 Sheraco Stakes Replay – Sunshine In Paris | J: Ryan Maloney | T: Annabel Neasham
The rumour’s had been circling that Annabel Nesham was keen to get Sunshine In Paris on an Everest path, and what better way to stamp some authority than securing victory in a Group 2 feature – similarly to Shades Of Rose in last year’s edition.
Neasham all but confirmed that Everest into Golden Eagle might be a logical target for Sunshine In Paris and gave a glowing endorsement of her mare on track post-race.
“Very happy”, said Neasham.
“She’s been a great filly. Obviously that was only her sixth start, we had her pretty right for today and we were confident the race set-up looked ideal with all the speed in the race.
“She was lining up against a proper group of mares today, we thought she could do it but it’s just so pleasing to see.
“I’m certainly happy to take a slot (Everest) for anyone who’s got one.
“I think she’s good enough, I think she’s shown that today.
“She was first-up, we had her ready to go but she’s the sort of filly that goes quite well fresh so she could just keep bubbling along until an Everest in the middle of October.”
Jockey Ryan Maloney gave a similar answer when asked the question of a potential Everest tilt for Sunshine In Paris.
“That’s next level,” said Maloney.
“It was a good Everest audition that’s for sure.
“To think that she’s come back even better than last prep even though she was a Group One winner in her first prep and getting better with time.
“it’s pretty hard to say where the ceiling is.”
Sunshine In Paris has firmed into an +1000 chance with online bookmakers for the Everest on October 14.
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