By Julieanne Horsman
The combination of the Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott stable and jockey Tommy Berry proved effective early on day two of the Scone Cup Carnival, claiming the first two Listed races of the day.
Debonairly got the team off to a winning start in the Segenhoe Stud Woodlands Stakes and 35 minutes later, Miss Debutante galloped them to a running double with an impressive victory in the Coolmore Denise’s Joy Stakes.
Debonairly was well fancied in her race, starting second favourite.
Tommy Berry made the most of her favourable barrier draw, settling just off the lead and sneaking up the rails to win from a wall of horses including Lipizzan, I Am Excited and favourite, Almanzora.
“We were really impressed with her victory today,” co-trainer Adrian Bott said. “She is a high class filly we have always thought a lot of her so it was good to see her put it all together today.
“She has always showed promise but has done a few things wrong previously.
“She did hang out a bit late in the piece but there were far more positives from this race.”
It was an ideal result for owners, Speedway Stables.
“They are first time investors in the industry in Australia,” Mr Bott said. “They have enjoyed a lot of success in the United States and it’s great to have them involved.”
Debonairly’s connections have been patient with her and intend to continue that approach.
“We’ll give her a short break now and focus on some early races for her in the Spring,” Mr Bott said.
“She still has some growing to do and strength to gain and I think we will see a much more furnished product with her down the track.”
For stablemate Miss Debutante, the Listed Coolmore Denise’s Joy Stakes has long been on the radar and she didn’t disappoint, overcoming barrier 20 for a dominant win.
The Fastnet Rock filly pinged out the gates but jockey Tommy Berry pulled her back to settle near the rear of the field.
“We intended to be positive but left it up to Tommy and it became apparent we’d have to burn it at the both ends to get across,” Mr Bott said.
“We saw a different style of racing from Miss Debutante today, the way she was able to relax.”
At the turn Berry moved her into the clear where she raced away to win by two-and-a-half lengths from Snitty Kitty and Smart Amelia.
“I love the way she found the line and showed that turn of foot,” Mr Bott said. “Off that, you’d expect her to be able to get a little bit further.”
Miss Debutante will now mostly likely be aimed at the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara next month.
Miss any of the races on day two of the Darley Scone Cup Carnival? Watch free replays here.