Zoustar's Sunlight Runs Down Estijaab in a Thriller

Mark Smith - Saturday February 24

In what may well have been a preview of the Golden Slipper, the top-class fillies Sunlight and Estijaab staged a two-horse war in Saturday's $250,000 Group II Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.

On the line it was the Zoustar filly Sunlight who made it four wins on the trot when finishing the best to edge a game Estijaab (Snitzel) by a neck with Gongs (Dawn Approach) six and three-quarter lengths back in third. (photo Steve Hart)

The complexation of the race changed when Brenton Avdulla took hold of the pacesetting Estijaab, which had Neutrality over-racing forcing Blake Shinn to let the son of Sebring take on Estijaab for the lead.

Meanwhile, Tim Clark was smoking his pipe in third place on Sunlight.

Advertisement

When Estijaab turned back the challenge of Neutrality, Clark made his move on Sunlight.

The Magic Millions 2yo Classic heroine loomed alongside Estijaab who was not going down without a fight.


"That was incredible wasn't it," McEvoy's assistant trainer, son Calvin said.

"I think we learned something new about her today when those other two (Estijaab and Neutrality) decided to go out in front.

"Tim just asked her to come back and she did, she just raced like a true professional.

"She's going to have another run into the Slipper but she's such a good doing filly and that was all class there.

"She was forward enough, we knew she would run well but we know there's further improvement.

"If she comes through this well she'll run in the Magic Night, a week out from the Slipper.

"Follow the same path we did into the Magic Millions, she's effective of the seven-day back-up and see how we go."

A $300,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Widden Stud draft for Aquis/McEvoy Mitchell Racing/Blue Sky Bloodstock, Sunlight advances her overall record to 4 wins and 1 third from 5 starts with earnings of $1,441,450.

Bred by Widden Stud in partnership, Sunlight is a half-sister to Group III placed Sheikha and is the third winner from former speedy filly Solar Charged, winner of the Group III ATC Kindergarten Stakes at her second start.

Solar Charged has a yearling full sister to Sunlight who was knocked down to McEvoy Mitchell Racing/David Redvers Bloodstock for $600,000 at the recent Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Solar Charged foaled a Sebring filly last October and was bred back to Zoustar who has 38 catalogued for the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale and 13 entered for the Easter Yearling Sale.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Season Finale Flourish for So You Think
Coolmore stalwart So You Think is powering to the end of the Australian racing season with a six winner flurry on Saturday highlighted by a winning treble at Randwick led by his progressive mare Oh Diamond Lil.
Winning Hat-Trick for Gold Standard 2YO
When an unheralded sire produces a Group I winner in their first crop as happened for Sebring stallion Gold Standard it can take a long time for the benefit of that early splash to take effect, but in his case the wait is nearly over and in the meantime Destiny’s Summit is a good reminder as to his merit.
St Mark’s Basilica Filly Impressive at Ascot
Due back at Coolmore Australia this spring, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) had an impressive new winner overnight at Ascot in the UK where Princess Petrol stormed to victory.
First SW For So You Think Stallion Tamasa As Cicala Takes Out Lightning
One of just three named foals by the So You Think stallion Tamasa, the Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea trained 3yo filly Cicala remained unbeaten, going three from three by winning the $120,000 Listed SAJC Lightning Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Ole Kirk’s Daughter Ole Dancer
Successful in the Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic at Murray Bridge on debut back in March, the Peter Moody and Katherine Colemen trained filly Ole Dancer resumed at Sandown on Saturday, winning the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1200m) to remain unbeaten.
Hello Youmzain Filly Wins NZ Last Stakes Race of Season
Talented juvenile filly Platinum Diamond made all posts a winner when she captured her second consecutive stakes victory in the last black type feature of the 2024-2025 racing season, the Listed Phils Electrical & Gypsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki.
One to Watch Wins Again in Saturday Class
The half-brother to Group II winner Stretan Angel, lightly raced three year-old Brutal gelding Glorious Moments was in a class of his own at Randwick on Saturday.
Consecutive Black Type Victories For Snitzel Filly Bridal Waltz
Stepping up to open company is always a tough task, but 3yo Snitzel filly Bridal Waltz graduated from a last start Listed win over her own age to win the $200,000 Group 3 MRC Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Exciting Farnan Colt Wins for Mulberry Racing
A standout in the mounting yard on type at Randwick on Saturday, Farnan colt Nashville Jack has also been an eye-catcher at the recent trials in Sydney and he delivered on potential when resuming from a spell with a stylish win.
Sires With Winners - Saturday July 26
Here is the full list of 86 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.