There was no shortage of connections wiling to back their judgment in the opening event of 1100 metres for two-year-olds at Rosehill on Saturday.
Despite starting at $23, the first-starter Robodira was well-supported by the John O’Shea stable and looked the consummate professional.
Settled just off the pace from an inside barrier by Brenton Avdulla, the daughter of Husson (ARG) took the split between the leaders Sliders and Centro Storico to win by one and a half lengths.
Sliders (Street Boss) held on for second with Hunnam (Shalaa) winning a three-way battle for third, edging out Centro Storico (Snitzel) and Hodgson (Hinchinbrook).
A $22,000 purchase out of the Newhaven Park draft at the 2019 Australian Weanling Sale, Robodira was by some way the least expensive of the seven bluebloods to contest the race that went through the sales.
It was a great start to the day for O’Shea who won the first two races at Kembla Grange.
“It’s very exciting for the ownership group. Ron Finemore and John Lever bred her, and she was raised at Newhaven Park,” O’Shea said.
“She has been a delight the whole way through. I thought she needed the blinkers to sharpen her. She has come on nicely since her trial on Tuesday and executed well today.
“She will make good improvement. I thought the market was not a true reflection of her chances primarily as where she was going to end up on the map.
“She will be in the paddock at Newhaven on Tuesday afternoon. We will give her a nice let-up.
“She will be strong for 1200 metres so she will be able to participate in a couple of the (Golden) Slipper lead-ups. If she is good enough, she will be there on the day.”
Purchased by Belmont Bloodstock Agency on behalf of her breeders, Robodira is the third winners from as many live foals, which include the stakes-placed Baby, of the winning Redoute’s Choice mare Don’t Blink.
A half-sister to the Group III Maribyrnong Stakes winner and Magic Millions 2yo Classic and Silver Slipper Stakes runner-up Husson Lightning (Hussonet), Don’t Blink has a yearling colt by Caravaggio (USA) and was covered by So You Think last spring.
Aquis farm’s Husson (ARG) is rarely without a good horse. He looks a viable option, particularly for the owner/breeder, at a fee of $5,500.
