Racing: Classy filly real sensation

36753866 - saddle with stirrups on a back of a horse

The Peter and Dawn Williams trained Media Sensation cemented her claims for next month's group one Gavelhouse.com NZ 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton with a stylish victory at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Backing up just a week after scoring in an open 3-year-old contest at Rotorua, the I Am Invincible filly was sent out a warm favourite in the Soliloquy Stakes (1400m).

After jumping brilliantly from an inside barrier Media Sensation and rider Michael Coleman controlled the tempo outside pacemaker Queen Of The Air before booting clear in the run home to defeat Rocket Fuel and Annie Okay, who both chased gamely in the straight.

Co-trainer Dawn Williams had expressed confidence that her charge would handle the quick turnaround from Rotorua due to her being more settled in her racing manners.

"She's had a few niggly problems with seasonal complaints but it has worked in her favour as we've realised she can relax in her races."

Bookmakers reacted by tightening Media Sensation in to a clear $5 third favourite on their Fixed Odds market for the 1000 Guineas behind Xpression ($2.60) and Melt ($3.80).

There was sensation before the race with Opie Bosson replaced on Queen Of The Air after injuring his foot in a barrier accident in the preceding race.

- NZ Racing Desk