There is a lot to like about the strapping Brave Smash (JPN) filly Kimochi who was elevated to the second line of betting for the $1,000,000 Group II Percy Sykes Stakes following a dominant performance at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday.
Ridden by Zac Lloyd for Gary Portelli, Kimochi dispatched a smart-looking field of two-year-old fillies over 1100m.
Settled just off the pace, Kimochi wrested the lead off the pacesetting Dipsy Doodle at the 200m before holding the challenge of the fast-finishing Hellbent filly Kristilli by one and three-quarter lengths. The Lonhro filly Dipsy Doodle was a half-length back in third.
It was the second start for Kimochi who had little luck when second on debut at Rosehill on November 26.
Portelli said he held the daughter of Brave Smash (JPN) in high regard and believed she was a chance in the Golden Slipper.
“I would have been disappointed if she did not win because she’s shown a lot of ability at home,” Portelli said.
“Thanks to Mr Leo To for letting me train this filly. We thought she was a Slipper horse early on, but unfortunately, she had a little issue. It’s all about timing with these horses; if you miss a week, you miss everything.
“I loved the way she accelerated. She got down low and put them away.
“She is a big strong filly, built like a colt.
“I think (Brave Smash) will be a good little stallion. I remember him wearing those red earmuffs when I had Rebel Dane in the All-Aged Stakes. He came from Japan and was quite a hot horse, and she can be a bit hot. But she has a big motor and would like a few more like her.”
A $21,000 purchase for Hall of Fame Bloodstock from the Valiant Stud draft at the 2021 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, Kimochi is the second winner from as many to race for the unraced I Am Invincible mare Summer Fun.
A sister to the 4-time winner and Group III placed Real Charisma, Summer Fun was an $80,000 purchase for Kia-Ora Stud from the Lime Country Thoroughbreds draft at the 2022 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale.
The same year, her Invader weanling was bought by M G Cornish & D L Gaskin Racing Stables for $3,750 when offered by Kitchwin Hills t the 2022 Inglis July (Early) Online Sale.
After foaling a Russian Revolution colt last spring, Summer Fun visited Captivant.
