Next month’s Group 1 $5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) is a potential autumn target for the improving Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained filly Xtravagant Star following her big win in Saturday’s $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick.
The $5 million Golden Slipper is a potential autumn target for the 2022 Inglis Millennium winning filly Xtravagant Star. Photo: Steve Hart.
Backing-up from her narrow win on debut at Geelong a month ago, the two-year-old daughter of Xtravagant was far too strong for a big field of fellow juveniles in the lucrative Inglis Millennium in Sydney.
Given a wonderful ride by Chad Schofield, the high-cruising filly eventually settled well in third for her hoop relaxing outside the speed set by the forward rolling Athletica.
There was a battle between the pace maker and Sweet Ride at the 250m, before Schofield hit the button on Xtravagant Star who raced to the lead with 100m to go and ran the 1100m right out.
After giving a lovely kick the closing stages, the Inglis Millennium winner went on to defeat the beaten Peter & Paul Snowden-trained favourite Paris Dior by nearly two lengths with Sejardan in third.
Xtravagant Star was also well-supported in betting backed in from double-figures to $7 and proved her class with the eye-catching performance ahead of more big targets this preparation.
“She’s a really good filly,” co-trainer Tony McEvoy told Thoroughbred Central post-victory.
“She always showed us a bit of talent. We went to that race at Geelong pretty confident, she had to fight to win and showed that she’s got speed and is tough.
“We’re so excited for her to come away her first trip away from home, and the way she’s handled herself is just magnificent, a big thrill.
“She’s a quality, quality filly.”
The stable must now weigh up options for Xtravagant Star who will either return to Melbourne targeting the Group 1 $1.5 million Neds Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 26 or focus on Sydney’s Longines Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill on March 19.
“We’ve got some beautiful decisions to make,” McEvoy said.
“We can go to the (Blue) Diamond in three weeks or we can just concentrate on the (Golden) Slipper, it’s a bit hard to do both I think.
“But I think we just enjoy today and make a few decisions in the coming weeks.
“I’m liking her more and more.”
Futures betting on the Blue Diamond Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au have the filly at $15 to win and $18 in their all-in Golden Slipper Stakes odds online.