Emerging Queensland trainer Kacy Fogden has plundered another Sydney two-year-old race with a filly she hopes to return with in the autumn.
Fogden, who won the Canonbury Stakes and Silver Slipper earlier this year with subsequent Golden Slipper runner-up Best Of Bordeaux, was back in the winner’s circle at Randwick on Saturday with lightly raced filly Midnight In Tokyo.
After being slow out of the gates, Midnight In Tokyo ($5.50 fav) settled towards the rear before weaving a passage through the field to win the Home Affairs At Coolmore Handicap (1100m) by a half-length over True Crime ($19), with Gallant Star ($7) another three-quarters of a length away.
Given the youngster had been in work for some time, Fogden wasn’t sure how much further she would go this campaign but predicted she could play a part in next year’s Sydney autumn carnival.
“We’ve always had a very big opinion of her,” Fogden said.
“I thought it mapped a little bit awkwardly (on Saturday) but I didn’t see her being that far back in that position, but (jockey) Sam (Clipperton) was patient with her and luckily the gaps opened up.
“I think she is going to be a really nice autumn filly.
“I don’t know how much longer we will truly get out of her this preparation, she has been up a long time.”
Having his first ride on Midnight In Tokyo, Clipperton said she was agitated in the starting stalls which may have contributed to her slow start.
Once that happened, he was content to let her find her feet and had faith in her ability to get the job done.
“She was a little bit ‘antsy’ in the barriers then stepped a bit slow,” Clipperton said.
“I certainly wasn’t concerned as on paper there looked to be great speed and I planned to be back midfield anyway.
“I had to wait for the split to come but when it did, she accelerated well and handled the ground.
“She is obviously versatile but the penny hasn’t dropped with her yet. When it does, she will be a nice filly. She certainly has a motor.”