Media Release
Wednesday, 22 September, 2010
For immediate release

Promising filly Bride Salama emerged as a VRC Oaks contender with an impressive win at Sandown this afternoon.

A daughter of Danehill’s impeccably bred son Al Maher, Bride Salama gave her rivals a start and beating in the 1000 metre contest.

Graham Woolston, Melbourne foreman for Sydney based trainer Anthony Cummings, expected the filly to be charging late and late she did charge – showing an outstanding turn of foot in the straight.

“She was very strong late,” Woolston said. “She’s a really nice filly and Anthony’s had high hopes for her.”

“She’ll head towards the Oaks,” he added. “She’s got a nice turn of foot and I’m looking forward to seeing her over further (ground).”

Winning rider Michael Walker, who recently shifted base to Melbourne, was equally as impressed in the performance.

“When the field dropped to six runners we were inclinded to maybe ride her handier.”

“But we spoke to Anthony and then struck a plan to ride her back and let her find the line.”

“She carried me – I got cramp the last 200 metres! So thanks to the horse for carrying me.”

Walker said the filly would be a perfect prospect for the race like the Oaks – knowing how well she settled in today’s race.

“It’s only her fourth start at the races. She had a lot of shinsoreness as a younger horse – but still ran a fourth and third in Sydney and a little unlucky in the race in Brisbane.”

“I know it was only a 1000 (metre) race today but she raced like an Oaks horse. She gets back and drops the bit.”

“Craig Williams whipped around me on Robbie Laing’s horse before the corner and she didn’t mind – she just sat there settled.”

“But when I asked her, it was there,” Walker summed up.

Anthony Cummings purchased the promising filly for just $90,000 from the draft of Attunga Stud at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

By Majestic Music, Speedy Natalie and Epic Dragon’s sire Al Maher, Bride Salama is a three quarter sister to the stakes performed Adelaide galloper Bint Maher.

Dam Palace Engagement, a three time winner and Sydney placegetter, is a half sister to the international group winners King’s Choice (Able Prince in Hong Kong) and Hurricane Queen.

Both of Palace Engagement’s runners to date are winners – the other Action Replay (Flying Spur) was won twice to 1300 metres