More Group 1 Glory Beckons for O’Marilyn

Group 1 winning filly O’Marilyn (O’Reilly) is a warm favourite to claim a second victory at the highest level following a dominant success in the Group 3 $70,000 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa yesterday.

O’Marilyn bursts to victory in the Group 3 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes. Photo courtesy of Trish Dunell.

The Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes winner from last season is now heading to the Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas at Riccarton Park on 15 November for trainer Stephen McKee.

“The 1000 Guineas will be her next target and its only two-and-a-half weeks away now,” commented McKee.

O’Marilyn will be looking to extend her lead in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series following her victory in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings – the first leg of the Series. She is also eligible for a $100,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Bonus if successful in the NZB 1000 Guineas.

Competing against the boys on Monday, O’Marilyn started as race-favourite and rider Sam Spratt found the trail despite knuckling at the start. Leader Vinnie Eagle (Invincible Spirit) rolled off the rail giving the daughter of O’Reilly a clear passage through and she dashed away to win by 1.5 lengths.

“She did get a good run but she had to put herself there, and then she finished the race off really well,” commented McKee. “She is becoming one of the better three-year-olds, we will see how she sits after the 1000 Guineas but she is certainly working her way up there.”

Monday’s win was O’Marilyn’s fourth from eight starts and took her earnings to $342,825 for owners Trevor McKee & B E Rissetto.

Bred by Whakanui Stud Ltd, O’Marilyn is out of Monroe Magic, a daughter of champion broodmare sire Zabeel. O’Marilyn is a half-sister to Group 1 Caulfield Cup winner Headturner (Anabaa), Group 1 Caulfield Guineas winner Anacheeva (Anabaa) and Group 2 winner Kroner (Viking Ruler).

Trevor McKee purchased O’Marilyn for $130,000 at the 2013 Karaka Premier Sale from Cambridge Stud.