That was Special - Espiona Romps in Desirable Stakes

Mark Smith - Thursday November 4

The dawn of what promises to be a spectacular career for Espiona, who kept her record at a perfect two for two with a contemptuous six and a half-length romp in the Listed Off the Track Desirable Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on VRC Oaks Day.

Espiona as easy as it looks (image Grant Courtney)

The Chris Waller-trained filly became the sixth stakes winner from the first crop of 48 live foals for Newgate Farm’s Extreme Choice.

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Backed to the exclusion of all others following her debut win at Warwick Farm, James McDonald had the Star Thoroughbreds colour-bearer in the second half of the field.

Extracted to the centre of the track in the straight, Espiona was never out of second gear to defeat Star of Chaos (Zoustar) by a widening six and a half lengths with Star Waltz (Snitzel) a head back in third.

McDonald did his best to keep his emotions in check.

“She’s very special, the way she does everything so easily,” he said.

“I feel embarrassed taking my riding fee for that one. She is a very, very smart filly, and it will take a crowbar to get me off her.

Espiona the look of eagles (image Grant Courtney)

“Once I got into that right spot, I was very comfortable for three furlongs. Her acceleration is something to behold. She gives you the feel of a proper horse.

“It probably looked as good as it felt. She’s a lovely filly. They have taken their time with her. She could have run as a two-year-old but they’ve taken their time with her and will reap the rewards.

“She’s been very push-button, very well educated, and the world is her oyster.

“It’ll take something for a horse to beat a performance like that in Cup Week.”

Bred by Torryburn Stud and Frank Cook, Espiona was a $190,000 purchase by Star Thoroughbreds/Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) from the Torryburn Stud draft at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Espiona a $190,000 Magic Millions yearling

From Waikato Stud’s phenomenal Escada family, Espiona is the first foal of the winning O’Reilly mare Dahooil, purchased by Waller for $340,000 from the Waikato draft at the 2015 NZB Premier Yearling Sale.

Dahooil is a  sister to stakes winner Bonny O’Reilly and a three-quarter sister to Group II AJC Stan Fox Stakes winner Rare insight and triple Listed winner Escadaire.

Rare Insight is the dam of Group 1 ATC Coolmore Classic winner Steps In Time (Danehill Dancer).

Dahooil has not had a foal since Espiona and was covered by Capitalist last November. 

Fertility problems have tempered the fantastic start Extreme Choice has made to the career.

The Group 1 winning son of Not A Single Doubt covers a restricted book of mares, and his fee is on application.

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Race Result - Off The Track Desirable Stks LR 1400m

Flemington Track: Soft(5) Time: 1:23.05
1
Espiona
- 3f Extreme Choice (AUS) x Dahooil (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J B Mc Donald 56
2
6.5
Star Of Chaos
- 3f Zoustar (AUS) x Mischief N Mayhem (GB) (Nayef (USA))
Tnr: T & C McEvoy Rdr: Dean Holland 56
Zoustar
3
6.7
Star Waltz
- 3f Snitzel (AUS) x Star Of Giselle (AUS) (Reset (AUS))
Tnr: M Ellerton & S Zahra Rdr: Damian Lane 56
4
6.9
Burning Power
- 3f Sizzling (AUS) x Electric Power (AUS) (Mossman (AUS))
Tnr: Patrick Payne Rdr: M J Dee 56
5
7.4
Vianello
- 3f Teofilo (IRE) x Serenissima (AUS) (Lonhro (AUS))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: K Mc Evoy 57
6
8.1
Stern Impulse
- 3f Astern (AUS) x Hard To Resist (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: S P Nichols Rdr: J Noonan 56
7
8.2
New York Baby
- 3f Written Tycoon (AUS) x Shadow Doll (AUS) (Dane Shadow (AUS))
Tnr: L & T Corstens Rdr: D Oliver 57
8
8.3
Riduna
- 3f Fastnet Rock (AUS) x Alderney (AUS) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Craig Williams 56
9
8.5
Somewatt Fabulous
- 3f Astern (AUS) x Megawatt (NZ) (Shocking (AUS))
Tnr: R & C Jolly Rdr: Jye McNeil 56
10
8.6
Rioyuki
- 3f Fighting Sun (AUS) x Rose Syrah (AUS) (Testa Rossa (AUS))
Tnr: M J Williams Rdr: D Yendall 56
11
9.6
Romany Rocks
- 3f Astern (AUS) x Romany Flyer (AUS) (Catbird (AUS))
Tnr: Symon Wilde Rdr: B Mc Dougall 56
12
13.1
Ballynora
- 3f Fastnet Rock (AUS) x The Special Two (AUS) (War Pass (USA))
Tnr: P Stokes Rdr: Ben Allen 56
13
14.4
Frost Yourself
- 3f Frosted (USA) x Shooting Sally (AUS) (Northern Meteor (AUS))
Tnr: N A Blackiston Rdr: Jack Hill 56
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