Kristilli dazzles in Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes triumph
The Annabel Neasham-trained Kristilli has produced a jaw-dropping performance to claim the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick.
Coming off an eye-catching second on the Kensington track at Randwick on March 22, the Hellbent filly produced a stunning turn of foot to claim Group 2 honours at just her second start.
Despite doing plenty wrong in the running, Joao Moreira had the filly in clear air in the home straight and unleashed a devastating turn of foot to go on to win by an ever-widening 1.7 lengths to Tiz Invincible back in second, whilst Kimochi who managed to beat Kristilli on debut, ran on strongly into second.
2023 Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes Replay – Kristilli
The win handed Annabel Neasham her 10th win at Group 2 level and was quick to suggest she has an above average filly on her hands post-race.
“That result hasn’t surprised us,” said Neasham.
“She did a lot wrong on debut and was second behind Gary’s (Portelli’s) filly (Kimochi) that looks really smart and they ran good time that day.
“I feel a bit for Tom Marquand because he was keen to ride her but he couldn’t get down to the weight. It’s pretty cool the ‘Magic Man’ (Joao Moreira) was available.”
The Percy Sykes Stakes win handed Joao Moreira his third win of The Championships and the superstar hoop echoed the sentiments of Neasham.
“She got involved into a little bit of a traffic jam at the top of the straight, I was kind of forced to go onto the inside to get the split and then hoping I could get out when we approached the last furlong,” Moreira said.
“Everything started opening up when I approached the 250m and I could feel like she was going to win from a long way home.”
“She pulled up after the race like she wouldn’t blow a candle.
“That means she’s extremely fit and I just finished off her job. There are plenty more wins to come out of her.”