Racing: Brilliant speedster overpowers opposition

Mi Jubilee and jockey David Walker took full advantage of some soft lead sectional times when coasting to an effortless victory in the $100,000 Matamata Breeders Stakes at Matamata yesterday.

Walker was always going to use the brilliant filly's early speed from the starting gates to either lead or secure an on-the-pace sit in the Group Two event.

Mi Jubilee jumped straight to the lead and Walker was shocked at the lack of pressure on the front runner and this proved to be the winning of the race.

The speedster applied the pressure on the opposition over the closing 600 metres of the race drawing clear in the home stretch to win by 4 3/4 lengths over the solid finishing Pulcinella, with a further 1 1/4 lengths back to Missy Elliott (third).

"Mi Jubilee is a very sensible filly and is a natural runner who is very easy to ride and place in a race," said Walker.

"She leaves the starting gates very quickly and my intention was to take a sit if there was going to be any attackers for the front.

"She doesn't have to lead to win her races but today I got the front that easily that I just let her roll along controlling the speed of the race.

"I think she's got the reputation as front runner because she set a track record over 880 metres when winning at Otaki earlier this season.

"She can jump and run and take a sit just off the speed and that's something that will help her develop as a racehorse next season.

"She's the best 2-year-old filly I've ever ridden and I will travel anywhere to ride her in the future.

"I think Stephen [Crutchley, trainer] may be looking at the possibility of the Sires Produce Stakes at either Ellerslie or Manawatu but the final decision will rest with him."