Cyndiana Stars At Flemington
- Saturday, 12 June 2010 02:04
The importance of race experience and fitness was clearly evident in Cyndiana Star's barrier to box win in the $70,000 Birthday Handicap (1000m) at Flemington.
Cyndiana Star ($19,$21) left the gates well and quickly asserted herself with a two length lead which apprentice Jordan Mallyon maintained throughout.
Sticking to the inside of the Flemington straight Cyndiana Star was never challenged by the main group, headed by Storm Burst ($3.50,$6) down the middle of the course, holding on strongly to score by almost a length with Melted ($4.60,$5.50) a further length and a quarter away third.
With the majority of the field unraced, punters rallied to exposed wet track form and Cyndiana Star's failure on a heavy surface at Sandown left her friendless in the betting ring.
Troy Portelli, younger brother of the horse's trainer Gary Portelli, highlighted the difference in the Flemington surface despite the heavy rating.
"The heavy at Sandown was just too heavy for her," said Portelli.
"Flemington might be rated a heavy nine but there is still a bottom to it," he added.
Portelli confirmed that the fillies owners had decided to claim with the lightly framed daughter of Johannesburg, a decision that paid dividends.
"She is only a small filly and the owners agreed an apprentice would give her the best chance of winning," he said.
"She really likes to roll along and Jordan rode her well, sticking to the inside as instructed, and getting home."
Mallyon, who bought up his thirteenth city winner on the filly, claimed the win was full of merit and expected continued improvement from the two-year-old.
"We were rolling along quite quick but that's just her temperament at the moment, but she did a great job to keep finding," said Mallyon.
"She still has a lot to learn and I'm sure she will be a lot better horse for it next preparation."
Photos by Fiona Tomlin.
