Kristilli (AUS)
Kristilli (AUS)
2 f Hellbent – Sognani by Magic Albert
O: Ms E L Jelfs, D P Hickey, C Dimovski, R M Tesoriero, M K Graham, J Lockwood, Ms D Stonham, J Genes, P Chodasewicz, S M Gregory, Miss K L Starr, M L Knight, R G Silverwood, T Stakemire, S D Tesoriero, Mrs S Tesoriero, X Wang, M D Jones, Hon. G J Williamson & ANR Sognani
B: Ms B Martin, L Mitchell, M Morton
T: Annabel Neasham
S: 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale V: Yarraman Park Stud P: Annabel Neasham Racing / B McGuire, $200,000
W: Percy Sykes Stakes, 1200m, April 8, Randwick
Having posted an eye-catching performance when second behind the more experienced Kimochi (Brave Smash) on her debut last month, Kristilli (Hellbent) broke her maiden tag in style when running out an impressive winner of Saturday’s Percy Sykes Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) at Randwick.
Held up towards the rear of the ten-strong field by Joao Moreira, the Annabel Neasham-trained filly showed a blistering turn of foot late on to cruise past her rivals in effortless fashion and score by an ever-widening length and three-quarters from Tiz Invincible (I Am Invincible) with the re-opposing Kimochi close behind in third.
“That result hasn’t surprised us,” said the winning trainer in the immediate aftermath of the race.
“She did a lot wrong on debut and was second behind [Gary Portelli’s] filly [Kimochi]. That form looks really smart and they ran good time that day.”
Moreira was equally impressed. “She pulled up after the race like she wouldn’t blow a candle,” he said. “That means she’s extremely fit and I just finished off her job. There are plenty more wins to come out of her.”
Kristilli is out of dual-winning Magic Albert (Zeditave) mare Sognani making her a half-sister to two time-winning filly Hot Press (Press Statement). Further back, this is the same family as Group 2 winner She Will Be Loved (Strategic).
The filly was purchased by her trainer and Brian McGuire for $200,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from the Yarraman Park Stud draft and she races in the colours of racing personality Lizzie Jelfs.
Neasham and Jelfs reinvested in the family at this year’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, buying Kristilli’s sister for $170,000. Sognani produced a colt by Hellbent (I Am Invincible) in 2022 and was covered by the Yarraman Park stallion again last September.