NEWS

Among the last to begin, Sunshine In Paris ($3.20f TABtouch) found herself fourth from the back initially as Mazu ($11) and Schwarz ($12) poured on the pressure upfront.

With the track rated a Heavy 8, it was no disadvantage that Sunshine In Paris moved into the four-wide trail mid-race on the back of Rothfire ($51), who brought them both into the contest.

With 250m remaining, Rothfire had reeled in the pace-makers but Sunshine In Paris was unleashing a bold bid to his outside.

However, Rothfire kicked gamely and held the lead until the final 30m where the effort took its toll and the mare gained the upper hand, scoring by a head.

The five-year-old, who took her earnings beyond $6 million, had not placed in two prior heavy track runs and starting her was a leap of faith from co-trainer Rob Archibald.

“I am just so pleased for Sunshine In Paris. She has been great all prep, but she just hasn’t had a great draw and I am so happy that it worked out today,” Archibald said.

“(Owners) John and Deb (Camilleri) for being brave enough and supportive today to run her on a track that probably isn’t her best.

“Annabel back home, I know she would be cheering very loudly. She loves this mare, as does everyone that is involved with her.”

The victory provided Archibald and training partner Annabel (nee Neasham) with their first major win since tying the knot in recent weeks.

Last weekend saw the couple take out the two feature Group races on the card at Eagle Farm with Depth of Character and Libertad. Now the couple have further stamped their mark on the Queensland Winter Carnival with another emphatic victory by Bosustow at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Resuming off the back of a last start 2nd placing in a hit and run raid on a Group 1 event in New Zealand, Bosustow gave nothing else a chance as he made the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas a one act affair, careering away to win the black-type race by a widening 6 lengths. The win saw his career prizemoney soar to $2,150,362.

Bosustow clearly has an affinity with the Gold Coast track, having also taken out the $3m Magic Millions Guineas at that venue back in January.

Annabel and Rob enjoyed further success on the day, with Shahzad taking out his first race on the Gold Coast card and Asgoodassobergets reigning supreme at the standalone meeting in Gosford.

Straight Six Racing is excited to have the dynamic duo of Annabel and Rob training their exciting new Home Affairs colt who is showing early signs of good ability and with any luck will find himself following in the footsteps of Bosustow in the years ahead.

Firstly, improving galloper Depth of Character recorded a commanding victory in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas. The result was never in doubt as the 3YO gelding careered away to win the feature race by 2.3 lengths. Then in the following race, talented 4YO Libertad delivered the stable a Group race double with a scintillating win, off the back of an economical ride by Jamie Mott, in the Group 2 Victory Stakes. In just forty minutes, the duo won their connections a combined $377,000 in prizemoney.

Champion trainer James Cummings has been Godolphin’s private trainer for eight years but has also announced plans to become a public trainer from August 1.

Cummings will continue to train some horses for Godolphin with the all-powerful racing and breeding organisation explaining the decision to spread their team among a number of trainers was “in line with operating structures used by other major owners and breeders in Australia”.

The bombshell announcement was revealed in a joint statement with Cummings, Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said the change would provide greater flexibility for the business while maintaining Godolphin’s strong presence in the Australian thoroughbred industry.