Ariaz wins well on debut at Sandown
Jockey Ryan Maloney has predicted better wins in store for Ariaz after the filly sprinted to victory on debut at Sandown.
The Robbie Griffiths-trained juvenile finished strongly from back in the field in Monday’s Toronado @ Swettenham Plate (1000m) for two-year-old fillies to win by two lengths.
“She was very impressive,” Maloney said.
“She bombed the start a little bit but after we went 100 metres she got into a nice rhythm and when we cornered into the straight she gave me a very good feel underneath me.
“Then once I let her go she showed good acceleration.
“She’s shown a bit on the track and has still got a lot to learn and a lot of improvement. So I can see her winning a lot better races than this.”
Griffiths’ stable representative Don Healy was delighted with the debut and admitted it was a bit of a surprise.
He said there were no great plans for the filly.
“She’s worked well at home but being so many first starters in the race you’re never sure as to where you are in the pecking order,” he said.
“But she did well.”
Ariaz ($10), a daughter of Charge Forward out of multiple city-winning mare Zaira, defeated odds-on favourite Motown Lil ($1.80) with a short head to Our Galdiator ($15) third.
Later in the day apprentice Harry Coffey rode his first winner since outriding his claim a couple of weeks ago.
Coffey partnered the Darren Weir-trained Turbo Miss in the Polytrack Handicap (1400m), the second leg of a race-to-race double for Weir after Brad Rawiller won The Cove Hotel Plate (1600m) on three-year-old Approved Anger.
Bendigo trainer Brad Cole prepared $3.20 favourite Stella The Boss to win the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1300m) by 1-1/4 lengths, leading all the way after scoring at Ballarat at her previous start.
“I probably haven’t had a winner for about 10 years in town. So it’s always a good day,” Cole said.