Being
a full sister to Golden Slipper winner Overreach, there was high expectation
surrounding the debut of three year-old filly Marishka at Canterbury on
Wednesday and she more than delivered for connections with an impressive performance.
A homebred for George Altomonte's Corumbene Stud, Marishka has been given time
to mature by Peter and Paul Snowden and that decision looks like paying off.
An eye-catching trial winner at the start of the month, Marishka was sent to
the post a hot favourite with Blake Shinn in the saddle.
She was a touch slowly away, but recovered well and when asked to chase down
the leader Shudabeen in the straight, she kept coming with a big finish to win the
1100 metre maiden by a long neck.
"It was a very pleasing effort as she didn't begin well, although had a lovely
run in transit," said Paul Snowden.
"She'll gain a lot out of this as she's never really been off the bridle at
home, so it's all a learning curve for her. She has plenty of upside."
By champion sire Exceed and Excel, Marishka is a full sister to Group I ATC
Golden Slipper winner Overreach and the highly talented colt Overreach, who had
just one start for Peter and Paul Snowden finishing second to Vancouver in the
Group III ATC Canonbury Stakes before being retired to Widden Stud due to
injury.
She is the fourth winner for Snippets mare Bahia, a half-sister to Group I
winner and sire Reward for Effort, who is also by Exceed and Excel.
Bahia produced another colt by Exceed and Excel last spring and is due to foal
to the Darley heavy hitter, who stands at a fee of $110,000.