Star Thoroughbreds and Chris Waller were in the winner’s circle at Rosehill on Saturday when talented Foxwedge filly Foxplay opened her account as a short priced favourite.
Fifth on debut in the Group III ATC Widden Stakes on January 30 and then fourth in a strong maiden at Canterbury won by subsequent Group II winner Kiss and Make Up, Foxplay showed she was back in good form with a stylish first up second at Warwick Farm on June 1.
Stepping out to 1350 metres for the open juvenile event and partnered by Hugh Bowman, Foxplay was super professional in parking outside the leader before skipping away over the final furlong to win with authority.
“She’s always threatened to be a talented filly and it’s only been bad luck, lack of experience or finding one better that have kept her out, but she put it all together today,” said Waller.
“We’ve found that they can get confidence at this time of year and then step up to something better.”
A $160,000 Magic Millions purchase for Star Thoroughbreds from the Newgate Farm draft, Foxplay runs for a big syndicate of enthusiastic owners.
“Denise Martin does an incredible job. Star is one word for it, but five stars would probably be better!” Waller quipped.
Bred by SF Bloodstock, Foxplay is the third winner from three foals to race from imported stakes-winner Butters (USA), a daughter of leading sire El Prado from the family of Group I Breeders Cup Juvenile winner Eliza.
Foxplay is the eighth Southern Hemisphere bred winner (6 in Australia) for Newgate Farm’s foundation sire Foxwedge and is his 13th winner overall.
A Group I winning son of Fastnet Rock, Foxwedge stands this spring at a fee of $22,000.
– News from Newgate Farm
