With the Spring Carnival on our doorstep, the ‘Blue Army’ has once again flexed their muscle and produced a promising filly to claim the three-year-old Maiden at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Having finished five lengths behind Group 3 winning filly Fangirl at Kembla Grange to finish last preparation, Arbitration was a well-supported favourite second-up from a spell, when stepping out over 1200m.
Jumping on terms from the wide draw (13), leading jockey James Mcdonald urged his mount forward in the early stages, before eventually landing a spot just behind the leaders with cover when settling.
In what was an impressive display of horsemanship, McDonald was able to retain a similar position for much of the running before deciding to pull the trigger prior to rounding the home turn.
Pulling out three-wide, the daughter of Street Boss quickly shifted up to eyeball the leader when straightening, eventually taking over when passing the 200m.
Letting down with her full effort passing the 100m, the three-year-old careered away from her rivals before going on to score by just over a length (1.24L).
Obviously thrilled with the efforts of Arbitration and excited to see what is install for the filly, Godolphin stable representative Nacim Dilmi was quick to praise the riding performance of McDonald.
“That was brilliant ride; from barrier 15 to end up behind the leaders within 400m,” Dilmi said.
“The way she’s done it (win) today – that’s going to bring a lot of confidence in her and hopefully she can go onto bigger and better things.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if she ends up going to 1400m later on in her prep; she’s only lightly raced.”
Equally as complimentary with the three-year-old, McDonald also commended the filly’s performance and believes she will be moving through her grades in no time.
“She gave me a really good feel,” McDonald said.
“She put herself into a lovely spot and travelled kindly; it all worked out really well and she did the rest.
“They (Godolphin) pick their way through the grades – she will be one.”
The victory aboard Arbitration made it a race-to-race double for McDonald after he took out the opening event aboard Robusto for the Waller stable.
