Bright the Sun (3yo filly by Star Witness) lived up to her status as the favourite, claiming an impressive victory in a maiden race at Ballina Racecourse (1710m, $27,000). Jumping smartly, she settled midfield in a six-horse field, conserving energy with a good rhythm. Approaching the turn, she loomed up to challenge the leaders and pulled away effortlessly down the straight, leaving her rivals behind.

After two barrier trials, Bright the Sun debuted over 1410m, and this was her third start and first attempt at the longer 1710m trip. Daiki commented, “With a sire like Star Witness and a dam by Exceed and Excel, you’d expect her to be more suited to sprinting distances. However, as we worked through her training, we started to feel she could handle middle distances as well. That’s why we stepped her up in trip today, and it paid off.

Jockey Nozi has partnered her since her debut and knows her temperament very well. Once again, he gave her a brilliant ride. Moving forward, we’ll continue to focus on what suits this filly best, rather than being restricted by pedigree assumptions.”