The Gai Waterhouse – Adrian Bott trained filly finished a half-length second to
Teaspoon after sprinting to a clear lead in the straight. Her condition
ran out in the final stages but connections were pleased with the first-up
effort after a four-month spell."She ran really well," jockey Tim Clark said. "And she will improve with that run under the belt."
Mystic Empire (2f All Too Hard - Empress Wu by General Nediym) had finished midfield at her only other start in the LR Gimcrack Stakes last October. "She's talented and very professional," Waterhouse said. "I'm expecting more improvement both physically and mentally."
A $140,000 buy for Darby Racing at the 2016 Gold Coast Magic Millions, she is from a half-sister to G1 AJC Oaks winner Royal Descent.
All Too Hard has made a remarkable start to his stud career with 17 of his first crop already hitting the track. Amongst them are 10 individual placegetters, 9 in the metro area as well as Mystic Empire at Group level. All Too Hard currently leads the first season sires title by earnings despite not having a winner as yet.
This may well change on Tuesday with another talented pair due to debut at Ballarat.
Caulfield trainer Ciaron Maher has accepted with All Too Royal for the C E Bartlett 2YO Maiden Plate (1100m) after nominating and withdrawing him twice last week. The Vinery colt is from G1 Robert Sangster Stakes winner Bel Mer.
Tony McEvoy has also declared with All Too Hard colt Domination who will make his debut alongside All Too Royal. He cost $260,000 at the 2016 Gold Coast Magic Millions and won a jump-out at Flemington before going shin-sore prior to the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes in October.
All Too Hard sired him from a half-sister to South African stars Fighting Warrior (G1 Golden Horseshoe) and Royal Zulu Warrior (G2 Charity Mile).
The next yearlings for sale from All Too Hard's second crop are at Karaka on Monday. There are five catalogued for the Premier Session and the only filly (Lot 46) is from G1 VRC Oaks winner Arapaho Miss.
