From stud duty prospects to Group 2 winner, Mariamia has bolted up to take out the Expressway Stakes in stylish fashion.
It wasn't that long ago Joseph Pride was giving the reins of this now six-year-old mare and has seemingly given her a new lease on her racing life.
After winning impressively first-up at BM88 level, the nominations earlier in the week of just four runners saw plans change for the Pride camp and elect to risk placing Mariamia in the Expressway Stakes. Taking on short-priced favourite and Caulfield Guineas winner – Golden Mile – in the process.
Tim Clark got Mariamia to jump perfectly from the wide draw, successfully lobbing into the one-by-one position throughout.
Meanwhile Golden Mile perhaps got a few pairs further back than most punters would've anticipated, after missing the start by a length.
The speed was strong throughout the 1200m weight-for-age contest as Kahawaty looked to ping the lids from the inside, as did the market second elect, Forbidden Love, who was very disappoint and proceeded to finish towards the rear of the small field.
2023 Group 2 Expressway Stakes – Mariamia
Mariamia was impressive storming past the leaders before kicking clear to score for a dominant 2.6-length victory to runner-up Golden Mile, who did more than enough on return.
“Yeah that was great, that was fantastic,” said trainer Joseph Pride in the aftermath of his mare's dominant performance. Adding some detail as to why he elected to run Mariamia in the Expressway Stakes.
“I don't late nominate horses too often. I just sort of think if you haven't got the right race, you probably shouldn't be there. But it looked an opportunity for it and I'm actually surprised how well see went today.
“I'll take a mare anywhere there's an opportunity and that's what presented itself early on in the week – Based on what she did today, there's going to be some really nice races in the Autumn Carnival for her.”
Pride continued to praise how far this mare has come in the short time he's had with her as well.
“She's a mare that came to the stable less than 12 month ago and she's done really well in that time. I love these tried horses,” said Pride.
“The jobs not done yet, she'll definitely go to stud at the end of this season, but you know. Hopefully we can have a bit more fun with her before then.”