In a thrilling performance at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, Ryan Maloney and Annabel Neasham combined forces with Sunshine In Paris, who went off at odds of +700, to secure victory in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes.
The mare, sired by Invader, delivered a jaw-dropping turn of speed, causing a minor upset as the favored pair of Zapateo (+140) and I Am Me (+290) failed to live up to expectations.
Ryan Maloney expertly guided the Group 1 winner from the rear of the pack in a highly competitive race, while Cinderella Days (+2000) and Queen Of The Ball (+750) ensured a genuine pace up front.
This tactical positioning left I Am Me struggling on a three-wide line at a critical juncture, potentially contributing to her disappointing performance.
However, when the sprint to the finish began, it was clear that only one horse was making a significant impression, and that was Sunshine in Paris.
Espiona (+1500) made a late surge to secure the second spot in the quinella.
2023 Group 2 Sheraco Stakes – Sunshine In Paris
Rumors had been circulating that Annabel Neasham had aspirations of an Everest campaign for Sunshine In Paris, and winning a Group 2 feature race was an ideal way to assert their authority, much like Shades Of Rose in the previous year's edition.
Neasham practically confirmed the Everest into Golden Eagle path as a logical target for Sunshine In Paris and spoke highly of her mare post-race.
Neasham expressed her satisfaction, saying, “Very happy. She's been a great filly… I'm certainly happy to take a slot (Everest) for anyone who's got one.
“I think she's good enough, I think she's shown that today.”
Jockey Ryan Maloney echoed a similar sentiment about a potential Everest campaign for Sunshine In Paris, remarking, “That's next level… It was a good Everest audition, that's for sure.
“To think that she's come back even better than last prep… it's pretty hard to say where the ceiling is.”
As a result of this impressive victory, Sunshine In Paris's odds for the Everest on October 14 have shortened to +1000 according to online bookmakers.