Misadventure and misfortune had dogged Shades Of Rose this campaign, but the breaks finally went the filly’s way on Saturday and she responded by streeting her Rosehill rivals.
The winner of her first three starts, Shades Of Rose lost any chance of extending her unbeaten record when her saddle slipped first-up, causing her to buck jump and be retired from the race.
Starting favourite at her next outing, she was trapped off the track from an outside draw and forced to make a sustained run, finishing a brave second to The Big Easy.
But champion jockey James Mcdonald ensured there were no such dramas in Saturday’s NSWROA Trophy (1100m), camping the three-year-old behind the speed, easing off the fence around the corner and surging to the front for a commanding victory, much to the relief of trainer Bjorn Baker.
“It was good to see her do that,” Baker said.
“She has obviously shown a lot of ability and she has got a heap of talent.
“He rode her like the best horse today and it was a good ride. I think she’s only going to get better on top of the ground too.”
Baker will let the dust settle before deciding his next move with Shades Of Rose, but he is keen to continue her campaign into the new season and potentially raise the bar to stakes level.
“If she wins her next one, we will have to consider it,” he said.
“She is up and going and going well, we don’t have to do a whole heap with her.”
Starting a $1.70 favourite, Shades Of Rose scored by 3-1/2 lengths over Sneaky Paige ($13) with Petulant ($10) close up in third.
The win gave champion jockey James McDonald an early double after he guided the Matthew Dale-trained Molly Nails to a come-from-behind win in the Highway Handicap (1200m).