FILLY BLOSSOMS AT KYNETON

Three-year-old filly Amapola broke through for her first victory in tough style at Kyneton on Thursday. 

Jockey Zac Spain took the daughter of Zoustar, who is named the Spanish word for the flower Poppy, straight to the front in the 1450m three-year-old maiden event and then had to absorb mid-race pressure.

"Given that pressure mid-race she has done a terrific job to kick so strongly and win ears pricked," Spain said post-race. 

The win was the well-bred filly's first at start six, but the strength of the performance buoyed trainer Danny O'Brien.

"Blinkers on certainly helped her focus, but it was a nice progressive performance from a filly that should keep improving the more she races and matures."

Pic by Racing Photos