Two year-old Stryker filly Candela drew very wide when making her debut in the Gimcrack Stakes at the start of the season, but acquitted herself when finding the front to lead, before fading in the run home to be beaten five lengths by Calliope.
Spelled immediately after, the John Thompson trained filly resumed at Canterbury on July 6, but struggled on the heavy ground and beat only one runner home.
Back to a firmer footing at Wyong and fitted with blinkers, Candela produced
her true form for Glyn Schofield to forge clear and post a stylish three
quarter length win in the 1200 metre maiden beating older rivals."She's always shown ability," said Thompson.
"With the blinkers on and better ground, she's got the job done well.
"It's my first winner for these owners, so it's a great result for some really good people."
A $100,000 Magic Millions purchase for Wilf Mula's Aston Bloodstock from the Three Bridges Thoroughbreds draft, Candela runs for a syndicate that also includes Luskin Park's Paul Whelan, Max Whitby, Richard Pegum and Peter Liston of Three Bridges.
A half-sister to stakes-placed Time After Time and Coming Back, Candela is the sixth winner for Group I winning sprinter Recurring.
Recurring has a weanling filly by Stryker and was covered by Three Bridges other young sire Unencumbered last spring.
Candela is the ninth two year-old winner this season for Stryker, who stands at a fee of $11,000.
