Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au
A well-bred first crop daughter of Deep Impact’s son Satono Aladdin has made a dream start to her career with a stirring debut display on the Kensington track at Randwick.
Koshu was untroubled to win over 1100m for trainer John O’Shea and in the process credited her Rich Hill Stud-based sire with a victory on Australian soil with his first representative.
Off the back of an impressive trial victory earlier this month, the filly was sent out a commanding favourite and never looked like letting her army of supporters down.
Koshu settled one off the rail behind the leading pack before rider James McDonald angled widest on the turn and the youngster let down powerfully to surge clear under hands and heels riding and score by 3.2 lengths.
“I was blessed to have a filly of this quality walk into the stable. She’s only really been in the yard a for a short period and came over from New Zealand in great shape,” O’Shea said.
“She’s a queen of a filly and I’m really looking forward to the spring. She never got lost when she got out in front and looks a classic miler.”
Successful rider James McDonald, who also partnered Koshu in her trial, was also suitably taken with the performance.
“What impresses me is that she takes everything in her stride and executes beautifully,” he said.
“It was a bit of a muddling run race and they came out okay and then backed up. I got into a lovely spot and her turn of foot was really, really smart.
“I’m sure she’ll have the best of care and reach the heights she deserves.”
Bred and raced by Trelawney Stud, Koshu is a half-sister to the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) heroine Loire and A Touch Of Ruby, who won the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m).
They are out of the Traditionally mare Syrah who is a half-sister to the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) winner Vouvray with their dam the Gr.2 Dulcie Stakes winner Real Success. -NZ Racing Desk