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Sumakaray does it her way

29th Dec 2012

Racing Victoria - Brad Bishop - Saturday, 29 December 2012

Sumakaray enhanced her reputation as one of Victoria's most promising sprinting fillies with an impressive win in today's $100,000 Chandler Macleod Handicap at Moonee Valley.

The three-year-old daughter of Manner Hill overcame a wide run to defeat a quality field of fillies and mares in the 1000-metre scamper.

It made it four wins from five starts for the filly whose only defeat came behind Shamal Wind at Flemington in one of the form races of the season and trainer Brian Cox was thrilled to see her bounce back.

“We went to Melbourne and we thought she'd run a big race, but we got a bit of egg on our face because she didn't handle the ‘straight six',” Wodonga-based Cox said.

“But I have got a high opinion of this fully and we haven't seen the best of her yet, I hope.”

Sumakaray finished strongest despite racing at least four horses wide without cover throughout.

Despite being posted, apprentice rider John Kissick didn't panic and was content to wait until straightening before making his move.

Sumakaray ($3.90) scored by one length from the unlucky $3.60 favourite Avoid Lightning, who was held up for a run entering the straight but hit the line hard, with Zippa The Rippa ($9) a neck back third. The time was 57.81 seconds.

Cox said the way she won against such a quality field of females added further merit to the win.

“We sat five wide all the way and still won so it shows there's still a bit of upside.”

The full result of the Chandler Macleod Handicap is available via the link HERE

Sumarkaray has now earned $108,650 for her lucky owners, a great result for a filly purchased by part-owner Ray Matthews for just $5,500 from the 2011 Inglis Melbourne Autumn Yearling Sale from the draft of breeder Cherokee Rose Stud.