The Group III Sky High Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill Gardens was contested, in the main, by a race-hardened bunch of old professionals and it was the turn of the rejuvenated 7-year-old gelding Auvray (FR) to earn his reward.
The China Horse Club colour-bearer had not won since the Group III Colin Stephens Stakes (2400m) on the same track back in September last year, however, trainer Richard Freedman had Auvray (FR) (image Steve Hart) at his peak after two runs this preparation.
Settled well back in the field by Glyn Scofield, Auvray (FR) came with a well-timed finish to defeat Libran (IRE) by one and a quarter lengths with Mackintosh a short-half-head back in third.
Freedman said that Auvray (FR) shapes as a genuine chance in the Group 1 The BMW at Rosehill on March 31.
"He was well weighted today, it was the right race to run him in, he got the right track and got a beautiful ride by Glyn," Freedman said.
"He does present some challenges, but we've got the right team looking after him.
"Shaun Guymer rides this horse every time he works. He has been phenomenal for him, he understands him and got off him on Thursday morning and said if Glyn rides him right he will win.
"He's genuine 2400 metres horse so it's onwards and upwards with him.
"I'm really pleased for China Horse Club. They took a risk in leaving him with me and I'm glad it's paying off
Winner of the Group II Qatar Prix Chaudenay over 3,000 metres at Longchamp when owned by Gérard Augustin-Normand, Auvray was an expensive 800,000 euro purchase at Aqanna by China Horse Club principal Teo Ah Khing and Michael Wallace.
A son of Noverre's French Derby winner Le Havre (IRE), Auvray is out of the In The Wings mare Ameyrah, who is a three-quarter sister to multiple Group I winner Adlerflug.
