The Benjamin Smith-trained In Her Time staked her claim for a slot in the $10 million The Everest (1200m) in a fortnights time after defeating a star-studded line-up Saturday's Group II Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Cory Brown took all the shortcuts on In Her Time to set out after the speedy Ball Of Muscle. As quickly as she wrestled the lead, In Her Time came under attack from the hard-charging English, repelling the challenge by a short neck with Clearly Innocent running on strongly for an encouraging third a further length back. (photos Steve Hart)
"I was lucky enough to snag the ride at the trials at Rosehill and I haven't had a horse trial like that in a long while, especially since I've been home from Singapore," Brown said.
"She's the real deal and showed it here today."
"I think there would be no doubt she would be competitive in The Everest."
Benjamin Smith said he would keep the phone on in anticipation of getting an Everest call-up.
"It's unbelievable. You know my heart was in my mouth all the way up the straight. Good to see she got the job done. Her trials were outstanding," Smith said.
"We've been here before. The Brisbane winter we got
"We will let the dust settle today and just see what happens. Nothing might happen and we might go to Melbourne or stay here.
"There is a big carrot to dangle – $10 million. I'll turn the phone on.
In becoming Australia's latest equine millionairess, the 5yo daughter of Time Thief advances her record to 6 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third from 15 starts with earnings of $1,013,225
Bred by
was consigned to the 2014 Inglis Classic Yearling sale by Kanangra Stud, where she failed to make her $40,000 reserve.
She is the seventh foal of the Zeditave mare Hell It's Hot a half-sister to Group III winner Hot As Hell, Listed winner Flaming Hot, Hong Kong Stakes winner Craig's Dragon and the 5-time winner Harlem Heat the dam of Listed winner Harlem River.
She had a filly foal by Artie Schiller (USA) on August 30 and was covered by Grandview Stud's Group I Stradbroke Handicap winner Under The Louvre last week.