Few stallions have done more to advance their cause this season than The Autumn Sun, who has another promising filly in Sneaky Sunrise.
Trained by Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, Sneaky Sunrise was coming off a maiden win over 1400m at Flemington on May 18 to go back to back on the same track over 20 metres further in the Ken Cox Hcp on Saturday.
Ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, Sneaky Sunrise held the challenge of the topweight Pisces, who went down fighting after being caught wide the trip.
The Dundeel colt Henlein was third ahead of the Brutal filly Jenni's Meadow. They both made up plenty of ground in the closing stages.
“It was a very tough effort. Stacky had to use her a bit early, but she ended up three wide,” Ben Hayes said.
“She was strong through the line, which was pleasing. The plan was to go a month between runs and run in the Taj Rossi Series Final to get some black-type.
“That would be the most likely plan, but it depends on how she pulls up before we head in that direction.
“We like her, and there is more to come as she improves with age.
“I thought (stablemate Jenni's Meadow) was great. She has this habit of laying in. She was strong late and would not hesitate to go a mile with her.”
Sporting the red, with black MyRacehorse Logo silks, Sneaky Sunrise was a $180,000 purchase for Lindsay Park Racing / MyRacehorse from the Bowness Stud draft at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Sneaky Sunrise is the second winner from as many foals for the winning So You Think mare Schifty Thinker.
Purchased by Bowness Stud for just $5,000 at the 2018 Inglis Great Southern Sale, Schifty Thinker is a daughter of the stakes-placed Snitzel mare Schiffer, who was third in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic.
Schiffer is a half-sister to the Hong Kong star Tourbillon Diamond, who was third in the Group 1 ATC Australian Derby when known as Eric The Eel.
Schifty Thinker’s Yes Yes Yes colt failed to make his $20,000 reserve at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
After foaling an Acrobat filly last spring, Schifty Thinker missed to Tiger Of Malay.