Trainer Michael Freedman had two of the six acceptors for Saturday's Listed Darley Lonhro Plate (1000m) at Randwick but lost Mexico after playing up at the barriers; still, the other runner did him proud.
The I Am Invincible filly Madeira Sunrise made a winning career debut, achieving the notable feat in a dogfight with a filly from the Waterhouse-Bott stable.
Ridden by James McDonald, Madeira Sunrise set out after the favourite Sicilian, which had wrestled the lead off Tawfiq Star on straightening.
Madeira Sunrise levelled up to Sicilian and looked set to go straight past. Sicilian was not about to give up without a fight and only accepted in the final 50m to be beaten half a length.
It was a 1-2 for champion sire I Am Invincible. It was a length back to the Not A Single Doubt debutant Portorosa who made up many lengths after scrambling out of the barriers.
While thrilled with the winner, Michael Freedman said it was heartbreaking for connections of Mexico.
"It's a shame. He's never done anything like that in two race starts, and his two trials this time back in, so I'm not sure what the story was today, but it's disappointing," Freedman said.
"Hopefully, we can back up in the Millennium. It's frustrating as you get these horses here on days like this."
"Madeira Sunrise is quite progressive. Both her trials at Warwick Farm were good without being asked to do too much. She was in a bit of a mood today, so I think there is a bit of improvement to come. "I think if she comes through today, we can look at one of the good fillies races coming up. Whether it is the Reisling or Sweet Embrace."
A $200,000 Magic Millions purchase for Mitchell Bloodstock (FBAA) from the Yarraman Park Stud draft, Madeira Sunrise is the first foal of the stakes-placed Savabeel mare Indrabeel.
A sister to Listed MVRC Alexandra Stakes winner and Group 1 VRC Australian Guineas runner-up You're So Good, Indrabeel was a $400,000 purchase for Allam Racing / Andrew Williams Bloodstock from the Baystone Farm draft at the 2020 Inglis Chairman's Sale. She was carrying Madeira Sunrise at the time.
Indrabeel's dam Lightning Spur (Flying Spur) is a half-sister to dual Group 1 winner Melito.
Yarraman Park Stud consigns a Deep Field half-sister to Madeira Sunrise to the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in April (lot 177).
After missing in 2021, Indrabeel was covered by Toronado (IRE) after missing to an earlier cover by Deep Field.
Madeira Sunrise is the 90th stakes-winner for I Am Invincible and is a remarkable 4th 2yo stakes-winner of the season for Yarraman Park Stud's champion stallion. He joins King's Gambit, Godfather and Charm Stone.
