Summer Flame delivered a shock result in the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes at Scone, giving her connections at Rosemont Stud a memorable black-type win and plenty to look forward to.
The Chris Waller-trained filly went around at $61 on debut in New South Wales, having previously raced exclusively in Victoria, where she had a city win and two placings to her name. Despite the jump in class, she proved up to the task, holding off a wave of late challengers to defeat $4.60 betting companies favourites Gerringong and Thames in a blanket finish.
Unlike her earlier runs when racing on the pace, Summer Flame was given a more conservative ride by Jeff Penza after a tactical change in strategy from the stable.
“She is a filly who is a bit highly strung so we asked Jeff to look after her and just basically work with her and try to be as economical as he can with her,” said Waller’s representative Charlie Duckworth.
“She was a massive price but she came up from Melbourne where she raced for us last preparation with a bit of a wrap on her.”
“She has performed well in all three starts down there. It’s obviously a big step up into Listed grade but she was a slow developing type, which the Written Tycoons can be, and she has taken it in her stride.”
Duckworth credited Penza for both the ride and his commitment, having worked horses at Rosehill on Saturday morning before travelling to Scone for the race.
“Jeff was actually riding trackwork for us this morning so he has put in the hard yards recently and it’s great for him to get a reward like this,” he said.
“Rosemont will be absolutely delighted. Where she goes from here, Chris can work that one out, but very happy, we will take it for today.”
Penza himself was surprised at how well Summer Flame travelled during the run and believes she still has more to give.
“She travelled really nicely and she started to travel better the further we went into the race,” Penza said.
“By the time we straightened up I was looking for somewhere to go.
“She is on her way up, I think.”
For punters looking to catch Summer Flame next time out, keep an eye on futures and fixed odds markets through Australia’s top betting sites.
