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Blake Shinn confident Sandown maiden winner is up to better races
Victorian racing might be deep into its off-season, but Blake Shinn knows quality horses can emerge from anywhere, which is why he believes connections of Supercilious have reason to be optimistic.
The top jockey partnered the Leon and Troy Corstens-trained daughter of Written Tycoon to an impressive on-pace win in the 1300-metre 2YO Fillies Maiden at Sandown on Wednesday.
Shinn recited the result of a similar race just over 12 months ago as proof of his claim.
"This time of year can get some good fillies, last year Coeur Volante come through a similar month and grade and beat me on Lady In Pink," he said.
"So this type of race can throw up a good filly and I think she is."
Coeur Volante went on to win Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude and finish fourth in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas last spring, while Lady In Pink is now a three-time city winner, including twice in Saturday grade this campaign.
Supercilious, a $300,000 yearling who is a three-quarter-sister to Group 2 winner Marine One and Group 1 placegetter Cannonball, possesses several attributes that have Shinn convinced she can be a force in better races.
After making use of the inside barrier to lead, Supercilious ($3.50) showed a good turn of foot in the straight to scoot to a one-length win over Savvyrocker ($9.50), with $2.80 favourite Clean Reef 1-1/4 lengths further back third.
"She's quite a big filly, she's got a bit of swagger about her, good character and you see when she lengthens that she's got a great action and got good attributes that will get her to a better level," Shinn said.
Supercilious's win was the first leg of an early running double for Shinn, who followed up with victory aboard Spirit Of Boom filly Mighty for Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman in the 1000m BM70 for fillies and mares.
