When any trainer wins four races at one meeting they are well-satisfied, as Roger James was at Ellerslie yesterday.
The Cambridge-based trainer savoured the glory, particularly in the Listed race victory posted by La Sizeranne who unleashed a blistering home sprint to win the $35,000 Soliloquy Stakes.
The Stravinsky-sired filly settled handy to
the pace before producing her sprint to clear out from the field and win by 1 lengths over Spin'N Grin.
A further three lengths away in third position was Volk Dancer.
"There's nothing more satisfying then winning a black type race for owners who specifically want to race fillies they want to develop into broodmares," said James. "Jack and Mark Maronde purchased fillies for good money at the yearling sales and they have to have international class pedigrees.
"I've got a job to do as a trainer to develop these fillies into racehorses that can perform on the racetrack.
"I haven't had a lot of luck with La Sizeranne recently as she's raced consistently with a number of creditable placings in Group events.
"It's pleasing to get the win here today in a Listed race and she won in the style of a filly with a big future. There's no shortage of racing opportunities for three-year-old fillies and there's plenty of options over Christmas at Ellerslie."
La Sizeranne has scored two wins and four minor placings from nine starts and her home stretch acceleration suggests this filly is in great form heading into the Auckland Cup Carnival at Ellerslie.
Clarissa (by Zabeel), Hasta La Ciao Ciao (Unbridled's Song) and Vision (Entrepreneur) were the other James-trained runners to win at Ellerslie.
Hasta La Ciao Ciao, having her race debut, delivered a slick home stretch sprint to power away from Kincert and Scentee in the opening event.
The four-year-old was patiently handled by jockey Andrew Calder working into the clear with 200 metres remaining to deliver a clinical sprint finish.
The Marondes also race Hasta La Ciao Ciao and were part-owners of Clarissa, who quit maiden ranks with authority, defeating Envee and Lanson.
