Stylish Debut Win for Encosta Filly

2nd April 2008

Leading Randwick trainer John O’Shea produced a smart winner at Newcastle on Wednesday when Encosta de Lago filly Strawberry Field (2f Encosta de Lago x Red Labelle, by Blevic) saluted as a short priced favourite in the 1200 metre juvenile maiden.

Despite racing greenly, Strawberry Field accelerated impressively over the concluding stages taking a split between horses to win comfortably in the manner of a filly that will be winning better races than this.

”We were looking to run her first-up in a race at Kembla Grange and then tackle the Magic Night but the programs changed so we came here to give her the experience," explained O'Shea.

"She could still run in the Magic Night or the Baillieu Handicap and then go from there.

"We could look at the Fernhill Handicap or Champagne Stakes."

A $430,000 purchase for O’Shea from the Coolmore draft at the 2007 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Strawberry Field was bred by Kambula Stud and is the first foal of the former smart racemare Red Labelle, a Listed winning daughter of handy sire Blevic.