Media Sensation keeps up the hype
The Peter and Dawn Williams-trained Media Sensation cemented her claims for next month’s group one Gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton with a stylish victory at Ellerslie.
Backing up just a week after scoring in an open three-year-old contest at Rotorua, the I Am Invincible filly was sent out a warm favourite in yesterday’s group three Partners Life Soliloquy Stakes (1400m).
After jumping brilliantly from an inside barrier Media Sensation and rider Michael Coleman controlled the tempo outside pacemaker Queen Of The Air before booting clear in the run home to defeat Rocket Fuel and Annie Okay, who both chased gamely in the straight.
Co-trainer Dawn Williams had expressed confidence her charge would handle the quick turnaround from Rotorua due to her being more settled in her racing manners.
“She’s had a few niggly problems with seasonal complaints but it has worked in her favour, as we’ve realised she can relax in her races,” she said.
“She has come through her last run well, although she has to get a little bit harder if we want to take her down to Riccarton.
“Michael was thrilled with her [yesterday] as he said she just wanted to relax the whole way and wasn’t at all worried about the other filly that was up with her.”
There was sensation before the race, with leading rider Opie Bosson replaced on the warmly favoured Queen Of The Air after injuring his foot in a barrier accident in the preceding race.