Third Group One for Sea Siren

Champion sire Fastnet Rock posted his first Group I winner of the new season when top class mare Sea Siren (4m Fastnet Rock x Express a Smile, by Success Express) resumed from a spell to score an electrifying win in the MVRC Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night. Tuned up for her return with a couple of recent barrier trials in Sydney, Sea Siren presented in tip top order for John O’Shea and ran right up to her good looks to score impressively. Partnered by her regular rider Jim Cassidy, Sea Siren sat back while Buffering and Satin Shoes set the early pace, powering past them in the straight to win the 1200 metre sprint comfortably by a neck from the fast finishing Mental with another Fastnet Rock in We’re Gonna Rock holding third. “She doesn’t make too many mistakes,” said John O’Shea. “From the time she came back in we felt she’d made good improvement and it was just a matter of getting her fit and having her right for tonight. “The Patinack (Classic Group I) at Flemington will be next as I’m looking forward to trying her up the straight and then Hong Kong (International Sprint). It’s the pinnacle of international racing and I think she’d be very effective up there.” Already a dual Group I winner before tonight, having won the Group I BRC Doomben Ten Thousand and BTC Cup during the winter carnival, Sea Siren has won six races and placed twice from nine starts earning in excess of $1.3 million in prizemoney. “What she did in Brisbane was outstanding, to go from restricted grade to winning two Group Ones,” said Jim Cassidy. “I always knew she’d come back better.” Foaled and raised at Coolmore for her breeder Keith Biggs, Sea Siren is a half-sister to Group II winner Lady Dehere, Group III winner Oratorio and stakes-winner Discorsi being one of seven winners from outstanding producer Express a Smile, who died sadly last year. Sea Siren is one of 10 Group I winners by reigning champion Australian sire Fastnet Rock.