Nimalee Makes for Nine G1 Winners for So You Think

From 1600m to 3200m, So You Think was the dominant force on Day Two of The Championships at Randwick with his ability to sire a top class mare highlighted when Nimalee (5m So You Think x Dezign) put the icing on the cake with her first Group I victory in the $1million Group I ATC Queen of the Turf Stakes (1600m).

Trained by Matthew Smith, Nimalee won the Group II ATC Emancipation Stakes last year, but had been winless since despite running some terrific races in tough company.

Everything finally came together for Nimalee in this classy renewal of the WFA feature as she reveled in the wet ground and a cool ride from Damien Oliver to win by more than two lengths.

“Finally, a Group 1 in Sydney,” Smith said “It was not for lack of trying mind you, we’ve had a few swings. You have a mare like this, as a trainer, you want to be winning a Group 1 with her if you can, but sometimes they don’t.

“Today it just all went to plan, got the right run behind the speed and she was strong to the line.

“I said to Damien in the paddock before the race ‘I think it’s about time we won one in Sydney’ and he was confident.

“I knew the mare was right so just need a bit of luck in running. It’s a tough race, but she’s a good mare.”

A $270,000 Inglis Premier purchase for Randwick Bloodstock from the Millford Thoroughbreds draft, Nimalee runs for Letmar Investments and has the impressive record of seven wins and six placings from 22 starts with prizemoney in excess of $1.2 million.

Bred by Cressfield, she is a three-quarter sister to Group III placed The Chairman from Dezign, an unraced half-sister by Zabeel to Group II winner Star Fashion from Group II winner and Hong Kong Derby winner Elegant Fashion.

Dezign was one of 204 mares covered last spring by So You Think, who will now take over at the top of the Australian General Sires List by earnings.