In the small field of just six juveniles at Geelong on Wednesday, it was the Archie Alexander trained All Too Hard filly She’s Buoyant who proved too good for Ciaron Maher’s Pursuit, with the Pierro colt having jumped the favourite off the back of a recent trial victory.
Away from the outside gate, jockey Declan Bates bided his time aboard She's Buoyant until those ahead of him sorted themselves out, going forward to settle in second position behind Pursuit who sported the Qatar Bloodstock silks.
Yulong’s Lady Of Power, a Written Tycoon half-sister to the Australian Bred, South African raced G1 winner Soqrat (Epaulette) sat in third on the rail, with the first three all appearing to travel well within themselves.
When Ben Allen started to shake up the favourite as the field cornered for home, Bates asked his filly for an effort with the leading duo pulling away from the rest of the field to battle it out.
Getting her head in front when it mattered, She’s Buoyant pulled clear to win by a length in what was a professional display on debut.
Purchased for $100,000 from the Cornerstone Stud draft at the Inglis Premier yearling sale by Alexander Racing and Rogers Bloodstock, She’s Buoyant was foaled and raised at Scone’s Cannon Hayes Stud.
Bred and co-raced by Milano Bloodstock, She's Buoyant is the first runner, and winner out of the So You Think mare Grounded, a half-sister to the Listed winning, G1 Blue Diamond fourth placed Snitzel gelding Prairie Fire.
From the family of G1 winner Snitzerland, Nina Haraka and Extension Of Time, Grounded foaled a colt by Ole Kirk the following season before unfortunately missing to Maurice (Jpn).
She’s Buoyant became the fourth individual 2yo winner this season for All Too Hard highlighted by G3 Black Opal Stakes and G1 Golden Slipper third placed Music Time and the impressive debut Listed Talindert Stakes winner Hard Kick.
The sire of five individual G1 winners, the Vinery Stud-based All Too Hard covered one of his largest books last season, covering 154 mares at a fee of $27,500 (inc. GST).
At the upcoming Inglis Weanling sale All Too Hard will be represented by seven lots before a further five have been catalogued at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale.
