Sherry the toast of Kembla after first stakes win

Apprentice Tom Sherry has celebrated a milestone win at Kembla Grange, scoring his first black-type success aboard Miravalle for his boss Mark Newnham.

The Irish-born hoop was thrilled to land the breakthrough victory in Friday’s Group Three Kembla Grange Classic (1600m), particularly for prominent owners Arrowfield Stud.

“It was a goal I set out for myself at the start of the season so it’s a great thrill to ride it for my boss and especially big owners like Arrowfield,” Sherry told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

The young rider settled Miravalle ($11) better than midfield and had the filly travelling in a beautiful rhythm.

She had to shoulder her way off the fence in the straight but she was up to the task, bursting between runners late to defeat $2.15 favourite Elizabeel by three-quarters of a length with Pippali ($26) third.

Fourth in the Wakeful Stakes and VRC Oaks in the spring, Miravalle was coming off an unplaced first-up effort in the Group One Surround Stakes and Newnham said he had subsequently worked her over jumps to put some speed back into her legs.

The tactic worked with Miravalle unleashing an impressive turn of foot to score.

“That’s what we’ve been trying to get into her, she has jumped at everything this week,” Newnham said.

“She showed a little bit of dash today, which was good.”

Miravalle is being aimed at the Australian Oaks and will follow a traditional path through the Group One Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 27.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments