Former Perth Mare Setting Melbourne Alight
19 March, 2019
Thoroughbred
A new chapter in Australian racing history was written at Flemington last Saturday when Mystic Journey brilliantly won the inaugural running of the All-Star Mile
Rivalry tensions between Melbourne and Sydney, the legitimacy of the race and voting irregularities, all talking points in the lead-up to the $5 million showdown, were brushed aside when a bargain-buy Tasmanian filly upset the might of the world-wide Godolphin racing empire.
Bought for $11,000 as a yearling, Mystic Journey confirmed her standing as one of the new pin ups of Australian racing, joining established heroine Winx, her up and coming star three-year-old stable mate, The Autumn Sun and West Aussie gun, Arcadia Queen.
But while the cream of country’s equine talent descended on Flemington for the rich prize purses that were on offer, an understated former Western Australian mare was going about her business and strutting her stuff outside the glare of the spotlight.
Swift Sis, who won seven races from 22 starts at Ascot, Belmont, Esperance and Kalgoorlie for previous trainers Brian Kersley and Craig Wright, caused another boilover when she won the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Trophy (1200m) at $18.
It came two weeks after she caused another shock win ($31) at the same track and course when she took out the Mittys Handicap (1100m).
Swift Sis, a daughter of Husson Lightning, transferred to Pat Carey’s Mornington operation in Victoria after being bought by Tony Santic’s Makybe operation, named in honour of his three-time Melbourne Cup champion, Makybe Diva.
Swift Sis’ two Melbourne wins at big odds may have caught punters off guard, but for Carey, it hasn’t come as a complete shock.
“One thing I have learnt over the years is to never discount form wherever it is,” Carey told The Races WA.
“I have an open mind on it and winning races anywhere is hard enough, without attaching any value to where it is.
“She was bought for stud reasons and I’m not exactly sure how much racing she has ahead of her.
“But she’s been excellent and has exceeded expectations. There is a lot to admire about her.
“I think the key has been racing down the Flemington straight, she has been a revelation.”
Swift Sis’ form has taken a sharp upward turn since teaming up with Carey, but the experienced horseman humbly takes no credit in her recent success.
“I don’t know who looked after her, but she arrived in Melbourne in good order,” Carey said.
“She came to me with an application for racing and an application for work.
“You don’t get five-year-olds racing like she is if she wasn’t looked after early in her career.
“She is in very good order and compliments to whoever had her before.”
Julio Santarelli