Palacio De Cristal and Glyn Schofield out on their own, picture Sportpix.com.au.
Prominent breeder and owner Gerry Harvey had a smart filly win at Randwick on Tuesday showing potential to step up for higher honours in due course.
Palacio De Cristal, by Encosta de Lago, trained by Grahame Begg on the course strolled away with authority in the $27,000, La Neige Maiden Plate (1300m) winning by 2 1/2L and while Begg will miss spring black type racing with her, the autumn awaits.
The pace was slow during the middle sections of the race and Glyn Schofield allowed Palacio De Cristal to slide forward to the leaders. Although the move worried Begg due to the filly’s lack of recent racing, she was much too smart and in the main straight Schofield let her go and she galloped off on her own for the win.
Dances On Waves (Anabaa) and Corey Brown came into second, with Bab Al Shams (Green Desert) and Kerrin McEvoy eventually winding up for third, the margin a long neck. The time on the good (3) track was 1.17.74 and the final 600m in a smart 34.94. Palacio De Cristal paid $3.90 on NSW TAB.
“Unfortunately she has had two little set-backs, and we have had to scratch her twice on the day of the race and it has been a bit frustrating,” said Begg.
“But it has been just very good to get her back to the races. I was a bit worried when she dragged her way up to them, as she had not run for some weeks.
“I actually had her in everything in Melbourne, but we will miss Melbourne, look at something here and then the autumn.
“She has always shown above average ability and she left them in her wake really,” he said.
“Her biggest asset is her stride and she was able to use it today,” said Schofield.
Palacio De Cristal is out of the Palace Music mare Crystal Palace and this was just her third race start. She had not raced since August 9th, when she was unplaced at Rosehill, and she has now showed her ability on the track.