Four year-old Sebring mare Emeralds contested some of the best three year-old fillies races last season and was never beaten far, so always looked a good thing in a Benchmark 72 race at Canterbury on a Wednesday.
Sent out a hot favourite at her second run back from a spell, the John Sargent trained mare bolted clear to win the 1250m assignment by more than three lengths under James McDonald.
“She was a class above them and just needed this confidence booster,” said McDonald.
“She competed against some of the best three year-old fillies last season, so was always going to improve going forward.
“I’d say John Sargent will have a lot of fun with her.”
A homebred for Jonathan Munz, she passed in shy of her $150,000 reserve at Inglis Easter and has no won over $100,000 with two wins from 10 starts and the promise of a lot more to come.
Emeralds is the first foal of the imported Aga Khan bred mare Doulmera (USA), a half-sister by Mr Greeley to Group I winner Dalkala from Group III winner Daltaya.
Doulmera has a two year-old filly by Snitzel and a yearling colt by Pierro, but will have no foal this year after slipping to Dundeel.
