Promising New Zealand-bred filly Satono Glow made an immediate impact on her return to racing with victory in the Group III Cap D'Antibes Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday.
The John O'Shea and Tom Charlton-trained three-year-old headed into her spring campaign with a strong record, having won two of her three starts as a juvenile, including the Gr.3 TBV Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1200m) over the Flemington straight.
Her only defeat came when fourth in the Gr.2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) in her final two-year-old appearance after encountering trouble in running, and she quickly returned to winning form on Saturday.
Ridden by Jamie Melham, Satono Glow ($7) tracked the $3.10 favourite Over Excited before producing a strong finish to prevail by a long neck, with stablemate Scintillation another two and a quarter lengths away in third.
Charlton revealed Satono Glow had initially been considered for the Gr.2 Furious Stakes (1200m) in Sydney a week earlier before a minor setback delayed her return.
“She was a potential for the Furious Stakes last week and we just had to hold onto her for a bit longer,” Charlton said.
“But her work Tuesday was really pleasing and she obviously has a good record down the straight and when she drew where she did and found the back of the favourite, it gave her a chance.”
The performance has opened up the possibility of Satono Glow returning to Flemington for the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) later in the spring.
Charlton said the stable had not been committed to that path before Saturday's victory..
“She’s clearly effective fresh, so these are all things we can think about the next couple of days,” he said.
“We definitely didn't give it firm thought pre-race.”
Melham, who partnered Satono Glow to her Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes victory in March, was impressed by the physical development the filly had made during her break.
“She’s talented, this little filly. The first time I sat on her back in March she gave me a great feel and, obviously, her last start she was very unlucky, so I was very happy to take the reins over again,” she said.
“She always had talent, but she was quite fine and immature still. Today she feels like a furnished product.
“Obviously she’ll benefit from that run, her coat will tidy up and then her fitness will improve first-up, but I’m very happy to be back on her.”
Saturday's victory improved Satono Glow's record to three wins from four starts and A$315,200 in prizemoney.
By Rich Hill Stud stallion Satono Aladdin, Satono Glow was a $260,000 purchase by O'Shea Charlton Racing and James Bester Bloodstock from Windsor Park Stud's Book 1 draft at the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka.
She is out of the Pins mare Electrode and is a half-sister to Group Two-placed Kitty Flash. Electrode is a winning half-sister to Group Three winner So Wotif and Listed winner Bonniegirl. – NZ Racing Desk
