Ernaux, the $3 million mare, is finally starting to exhibit her full potential and has earned an extension to her racing career following her win at Royal Randwick today.
Under the expert handling of James McDonald and trainer Chris Waller, Ernaux was given an unimpeded run and demonstrated her rapid progression with a commanding victory in the Laurel Oak Supporter of NJT Handicap (1100m).
Despite being a valuable broodmare prospect given her exceptional pedigree, Waller is exercising caution and not immediately testing Ernaux at stakes level, even with her recent outstanding form.
“Ernaux was nearly retired a few months ago but she has found some really good form in recent weeks,” Waller stated. “She has been up for a while but her improved form means she has probably earned herself another 12 months of racing.”
“It would be unfair to test her at stakes level now given she has had a fair bit of racing this campaign. But if we give her a break soon, then we could look at getting her to stakes level next preparation.”
Ernaux, the $4.20 favourite, secured the rails barrier, and McDonald settled her in third position just behind the leaders. As they reached well into the straight, the mare surged between runners to narrowly edge out the highly consistent Kimberley Secrets ($12), winning by almost a length, with West Of Dalby ($21) running on strongly for third.
McDonald commented that Ernaux performs best on firm tracks and is gaining confidence, achieving her second city win in her last three starts this campaign.
Ernaux, purchased for $3 million as a yearling at the Inglis Easter Sale three years ago, is the daughter of Yarraman Park’s celebrated sire I Am Invincible and the Group 1 winner Booker.
She would normally have been the sale-topper, but that year was notable for a $10 million yearling, a Pierro filly out of the legendary Winx, which set a new record price.
The Winx filly, named Quinceanera, unfortunately never raced due to an injury and has since been retired to stud.
Ernaux also seemed headed for the breeding barn after a single midweek maiden win from 16 starts, but she has successfully delayed retirement with recent wins at Randwick over 1200m and 1100m.
While Waller may consider stakes races for Ernaux next preparation, Kembla Grange trainer Joseph Ible is setting his sights high this spring following Barrengarry’s impressive return to racing.
Barrengarry achieved his third win from only six starts by producing a brilliant sprint fresh to claim the Midway Handicap (1400m).
Star jockey Zac Lloyd timed his finishing run to perfection on Barrengarry ($5.50), who closed strongly to beat Vexxy ($9) by just over a length, with early leader Felix Majestic ($3 favourite) holding on for third.
Ible stated his intentions to aim Barrengarry at the Group 3 $240,000 Coongy Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield on October 14.
“We thought about entering for the Cups this spring but decided against it,” Ible said. “We feel the Coongy is the right race for this horse.”
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