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By Brad Gray At Rosehill Gardens

Slightly Sweet gave Jess Taylor her the first stakes win of her career when the fast-finishing mare prevailed in the Listed ATC Winter Stakes (1400m).

“That was just amazing! I’m so grateful to Jason (Coyle) and the connections for keeping me on,” said an elated Taylor.

“It hasn’t really sunk in. She is my new favourite horse of course.

“She ran a super third last start (in the Civic Stakes). I was a bit worried about the gate but I got into a nice spot and was able to get on the back of one around the turn. She let down enormously.

“When I straightened up I thought I was in with a good chance but I didn’t want to get too confident. The last 100m I was just throwing everything at her. I can’t believe it.”

Taylor, 26, started her apprenticeship at Gosford before finishing it off at Warwick Farm while also riding work at Kembla Grange and Hawkesbury.

“I’m just trying to build some grounding with trainers and they’ve been very supportive, especially Jason,” Taylor said.

It had been over 800 days since Slightly Sweet had greeted the judge first but not the first time the daughter of Charge Forward put black-type next to her CV having won two Group Threes – the Keith Nolan Classic and James Carr – as a three-year-old filly.

“She has been racing well for a long time now. This preparation with the blinkers on has really turned her around after a slightly disappointing run first-up. Jess has ridden her a treat every time she has come out this preparation and it’s nice to see her get that win,” said Coyle.

“She was three deep with a bit of cover and relaxed beautifully. Jess popped off at the right time and is a different horse this preparation with the shades on.”

Slightly Sweet winning the Winter Stakes

All results and replays for Rosehill Gardens on Saturday