The Kia Ora and Hollymount Stud-owned 4-year-old mare Esha (Extreme Choice) started off her career as a 2-year-old and early 3-year-old, winning her first two starts from the Shane Nichols stable, and after losing form in stronger company the decision was made to move her to the Tony Gollan stable.
She ran a solid enough fourth first-up at Eagle Farm on July 25, and improved off that effort to score in solid fashion at the same venue on Wednesday afternoon.
In the hands of Ben Thompson, the well-bred mare was a touch slow jumping but eventually worked forward to sit in a distant trail as Tiger Tie (Harry Angel {Ire}) set a strong pace, with Port Erin (Mikki Isle {Jpn}) and Surreal Ascot (Kobayashi) prominent.
Approaching the bend, the pressure was on and Thompson was hunting a run on Esha. He persisted with a run and eventually got clear of heels and took chase solidly. She got to the lead and held nicely to score by just under a length from Port Erin and Tiger Tie, who stuck on well considering the toughish runs on-speed they had.
Sales info: Esha was sold by Newgate Farm at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $900,000 to Kia Ora Stud and Shane Nichols Racing. She is raced by Kia Ora Stud and Hollymount Stud who bred her.
Pedigree info: Esha is one of three winners out of the G1 Myer Classic winner I Am A Star, who won 10 races and over $1.5 million. These winners include Orion The Hunter (Deep Field) who has won seven times and the very exciting Celestial Charm (Extreme Choice) who was a winner as a 2-year-old and looks an exciting 3-year-old prospect. I Am A Star has an unnamed 2-year-old filly by Extreme Choice and is due to foal to the outstanding stallion again any day now.
Article c/o TTR Aus NZ
