US businessman John Stewart missed out on a Winx filly in a high-profile bidding war two years ago but managed to secure another elite yearling from the same Inglis Easter Sale. After being the underbidder on the $10 million Winx filly to Debbie Kepitis, Stewart acquired six other yearlings, including an I Am Invincible filly out of Group 1 winner Booker for $3 million.

The filly, named Ernaux, took seven starts to break her maiden in midweek races and another 10 to achieve her first Saturday metropolitan victory, which she did in impressive fashion at Randwick.

Under jockey Tyler Schiller, Ernaux ($4.20 fav) settled towards the rear of the field. She navigated through traffic in the straight before finding a late gap and powering clear to win by 1-3/4 lengths from Mareth ($4.60), who finished strongly.

“It was hold-your-breath stuff at the top of the straight,” said trainer Chris Waller. “Tyler, he knew what he was doing. He knew what he had under him, and she really exploded late.”

Waller further explained the mare’s turnaround, noting, “Her form has been terrible on wet tracks. As soon as she had a better track last start, and again today, she’s a different horse. There is certainly something there. She’s very well bred, so we’ll see what’s around the corner.”

Despite Ernaux’s substantial purchase price, Waller stated that her ownership group, including Stewart’s Resolute Racing and Coolmore, had not applied any pressure. Her victory in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1200m) on Saturday provides her with a valuable win and may lead to her continuing her racing career for another season.

“They’re fantastic to train for, and it’s good to see she’s won a good Saturday race for them,” Waller added. “It was getting borderline whether we breed from her. That will give us a bit of confidence.”

The Winx filly by Pierro, named Quinceanera, was retired to stud without having raced.

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