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James Cummings-trained three-year-old filly Siege impresses on debut
The James Cummings-trained Siege (3 f Street Boss - Montsegur by New Approach) scored a nice debut victory when winning the Great Northern On Tap Maiden (1100m) at Wyong on Thursday.
Jumping from the outside barrier under Christian Reith, Siege was trapped four wide without cover a little worse than midfield. She rounded the home turn on the extreme outside of the field and then resolutely chased down the leader and pulled clear to score by a half length. Russbuss (Dream Ahead) finished in second with Zain’s Girl (Zoustar) another length back in third.
Godolphin stable representative Darren Beadman said the winner had a lot of upside.
"She is a stunning filly, really well-bred," he said.
"She is by Street Boss and has the Merchant Navy bloodlines.
"She has a few little issues early days, but the stable looked after her and gave her plenty of time to strengthen up and build her confidence.
"We told Christian not to throw her to the wolves too early, and she will finish the race off for you.
"She's a lovely big strong filly with a lot of upside."
Siege is the third winner, from as many foals to race, out of the Group 3 winning mare Montsegur (New Approach). Her second dam is four-time winner Chatoyant (Flying Spur), who produced seven winners including Group 3 winner Tessera (Medaglia d’Oro), and is a half-sister to Legally Bay (Snippets) who produced dual Group 1 winner and young Coolmore Australia-based sire Merchant Navy (Fastnet Rock).
Meanwhile, Cummings is confident that Siege’s stablemate Colette (Hallowed Crown) will run a good race in the Chipping Norton Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) on Saturday. Last year’s Australian Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) winner scored a good first-up victory in the Apollo Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) at Randwick on February 13 and the track conditions should be to her liking.
"The track and weather forecasts suggest she will have similar conditions to those she enjoyed in her impressive first-up victory," Cummings said.
"She meets similar opposition on Saturday, she is fit and healthy, and steps up to the mile.
"We are hopeful of a repeat performance."
Rachel King will take the ride again on Colette and Cummings will also have Avilius (Pivotal) in the Group 1 race and he will be partnered by Nash Rawiller. Avilius has been winless in 13 starts since he landed the Optic White Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) in September 2019.
"We are looking forward to his return to racing,'' he said.
"His latest barrier trial suggested he still has plenty to offer and he has generally run well first-up."