Unplaced as favourite in last year’s Group I ATC Coolmore Classic (1500m) as a three year-old filly, the Chris Waller trained Extreme Choice mare Espiona enjoyed sweet redemption at Rosehill on Saturday when returning to win the prestigious fillies and mares event.
A brilliant last start stakes-winner in Melbourne, Espiona took confidence from that win and produced her A game for Michael Dee to charge home along the fence and score a narrow win.
“It’s a special win for Denise Martin (Star Thoroughbreds), a huge supporter of our stable. She’s just a pleasure to train for,” Chris Waller said.
“It was good to see her get back to winning form last start. Obviously, she could be a bit better in Melbourne, but we had to have an opportunity on her home track. Thrown in at the weights and a lovely draw and a lovely ride from Michael Dee.
“If I needed that I would’ve won a trial with her and made it easier at home. But no, she might be a bit better left-handed. As we continue to say, you can’t sense confidence; you can only give it to a horse, whether it’s winning or looking after them. It might be a baby having its first gallop, just give them confidence and they’ll look after you.
“We had the pin-up girl at the time, and she lost her way a little bit, but she’s done a great job today.”
Bred by Torryburn Stud in partnership with Frank Cook, Espiona was a $190,000 purchase by Star Thoroughbreds/Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) from the Torryburn Stud draft at the 2020 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Now a four time stakes-winner, Espiona has the overall record of five wins and two placings from 12 starts with prizemoney topping $831,000.
From Waikato Stud’s phenomenal Escada family, Espiona is the first foal of the winning O’Reilly mare Dahooil, a sister to stakes winner Bonny O’Reilly and half-sister to stakes-winner Pretty to Sea, the family also producing Group I winners Glamour Puss, Vision and Power and Steps in Time.
Sadly for Torryburn Stud, Dahooil died last year and her final foal is a yearling colt by Capitalist that will be offered by Torryburn stud at Inglis Easter as Lot 92..
Espiona is the third Group I winner for Extreme Choice joining Stay Inside and She’s Extreme. He has six entries for Inglis Easter.
