Madame Solario scored an impressive win at Sportsbet-Ballarat on Friday 6 August, comfortably rounding the bulk of the field in the straight and running away for a two-length win.
The three-year-old filly by Needs Further has been well educated and managed patiently by Nigel and breeder/owner Ross Wilkinson. She raced just twice in her first preparation early in 2021, including a debut at Sandown in a metro 2YO handicap. That gives you a glimpse into Nigel’s thoughts on the filly.
That run and another at Ballarat two weeks later proved to be just education for Madame Solario. She needed time to mature and learn from her experiences.
Upon returning to training it was clear Madame Solario was ready for a good three-year-old season. A couple of nice jump outs and good reports from her riders was exciting to see and here. Nigel and Ross decided to give her a run “at home” at Ballarat and they expected to see some of her good form from her gallops and trials, despite drawing the widest barrier. She delivered on those expectations, and more.
Rider Alana Kelly allowed Madame Solario to find her feet back in the field. The impressive skill Alana showed (again) was getting Madame Solario to relax yet not lose touch of horses ahead of her. The panic button was not needed at any time. With gentle coaching, balance and nice soft hands, Alana encouraged Madame Solario to make her move rounding the home turn.
Just three encouragements with the crop was all Madame Solario required. She quickly rounded almost the entire field and ran down the leaders, drawing away for an impressive win.
Watch the replay on racing.com here.
This win continues the great success Ross Wilkinson has had with breeding from the family of Madame Solario’s third dam, Out Of The Woods. No fewer than 18 of the 19 runners out of Madame Solario’s first, second and third dams, are winners.
There is still plenty of time for a 19th winner from this family. The lightly-raced Reforestation is back from injury and about to start his next preparation.