News

Satin Shoes proves too fleet-footed

14th Feb 2011

Racenet - Clinton Payne - Saturday, 12 February 2011

Four-time Golden Slipper winning trainer Clarry Conners has only one race in his sights for his talented filly Satin Shoes, who made a successful return to the track with victory in the Listed Widden Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday.

“There’s a nice little two-year-old race at Rosehill on April 6 for her,” Conners said.

“The Golden Slipper is her aim.”

Satin Shoes was on the fourth line of Golden Slipper betting prior to the Widden Stakes and the authority of her win will sure up her spot near the top of the markets.

After showing good speed to take up the running, Satin Shoes was challenged nearing the 300 metres, but as soon as her jockey Hugh Bowman got serious, the daughter of Flying Spur found a couple of gears and kicked away to win easily.

“I must admit at the 300 [metres] I thought I don’t think I’ve got much left, maybe a length or two, but she really found,” Bowman said.

“She’s still got plenty of improvement, she’s still a bit big and only had the one trial.”

Satin Shoes defeated the Gai Waterhouse-trained Secret Reflections, who got home from the tail of the field with Elite Falls from the John O’Shea stable rounding out the placings in third.

Conners said he remains undecided where and when Satin Shoes will have her next start and hasn't ruled out heading to the Blue Diamond in a fortnight at Caulfield.

"Its a million dollar race so I won't say no, but we'll go home, see how she goes and discuss our options with the owners next week," he said.

“She’s still pretty gross, she has a long way to go yet and touch wood she’ll hold together.

“The Slipper’s the goal so we’ll see." What they said – “She’s right up there with the best two-year-olds I’ve ridden this season,” said winning jockey, Hugh Bowman.

“She made up good ground and will keep improving. She’s a nice horse,” said Tommy Berry, jockey of the second placegetter, Shared Reflections.

“Super. She found the line real good,” said Jim Cassidy, jockey of the third placegetter, Elite Falls.

“She’ll improve,” said Glyn Schofield, jockey of Ingham Magic (4th).

The market – The winner Satin Shoes dominated the betting and firmed from $1.40 to $1.28. Shared Reflections eased in betting from $8 to $11 before a sprinkling of support saw her firm back into $10 while Elite Falls eased from $5 to $10. Outside the placegetters, Ingham Magic blew from $8 to $16. The on-course market closed at 113 percent.

Photo: Satin Shoes ($700,000 2010 Easter, 2f Flying Spur-Star Satire)