Dominant spring filly In Secret made a triumphant return on Saturday afternoon, taking out the Light Fingers Stakes in stylish fashion.
All eyes were on her after a terrific spring, culminating in a Coolmore Stud Stakes demolition job and whether she could reproduce first-up.
She answered that question with an empathic yes, after missing the start slightly with Nash Rawiller pressing to sit mid-field on the rail behind a moderate tempo.
Cinderella Days for Joseph Pride and Sam Clipperton pinged the lids early to lead, which may have been a surprise to those who had North Star Lass mapping in front for the 1200m contest.
Sunshine In Paris got the box seat after jumping nicely, while Madame Pommery was the best of the chasing horses from back in the field.
2023 Group 2 Light Finger Stakes Replay – In Secret
In Secret missed the start which trainer James Cummings eluded to in his post-race interview.
“We were expecting that today, no real surprises,” said Cummings.
“Quick to realise that you shouldn't panic when that happens, just gather her up and fill her sails full of air and away she went once she got the gap in time.”
Team Godolphin have set a path for their superstar filly with the obvious next task on the list being the Surround Stakes.
“She's a very very good filly, we're unbelievably lucky to have her,” said Cummings.
“Hopefully she keeps going ahead but it's a great base for her to keep going forward. Group 1 Surround is here in two weeks and great to see her flourish.”
Jockey Nash Rawiller echoed the sentiments on James Cummings, referring to the engine In Secret has to offer despite missing the start.
“When you're on a filly like her there's no panic and it's just making sure you don't make a blue,” said Nash Rawiller.
“Although they sort of kicked away from us a bit turning in, I didn't want to be the first one out chasing them either.”
Moving forward Rawiller expects her to only improve on that effort.
“The world's her oyster, she's a really exciting filly.”