Sorenata was brave in running second at Ladbrokes Park Sandown on Wednesday, some say unluckily so.
Her win at her previous start at Bairnsdale was impressive. Staying in BM64 grade but taking on the boys this time at Sandown, we did expect more depth in the field being a mid-week city race and evaluating the opposition.
Drawing barrier 2 was perhaps less than ideal and required some good positioning from Michael Walker to get off the fence and building momentum rounding the home turn. Michael did a great job to achieve that, but Sorenata still found herself a length or two further back from the lead at the 400m that we would have liked due to the race pattern.
It was pleasing to see this daughter of Mastercraftsman continue a long, sustained and strong run all the way up the straight to pass all runners. But in the shadows of the post, TORREGGIANTE came flying down the outside to relegate Serenata into second.
The win caused quite a stir, with Torreggiante’s rider being suspended for excessive whip use. We will let others debate how much of an impact that had on the race outcome. We were just thrilled with Sorenata’s performance and can’t wait to see her back at the races soon to atone her narrow defeat.