Equiano filly Cleopatra’s Glory was primed for a first-up victory by Team Hawkes at Werribee on Friday.

Backed from $11 into $7, she reeled in the leaders with a late rally to win the Better Solar Maiden Plate (1100m) with something in hand.  It was a marked improvement on her only other start at Kilmore in September when midfield after easing from $7 to $12.

“That was a comfortable win in the end,” jockey Michael Walker admitted.  “She’s still pretty green and was all over the place when a couple shot around us on the home turn.  But once balanced with clear running, she picked them off and was pulling up on the line.

“There’s a lot of upside to this filly.”

Cleopatra’s Glory (3f Equiano – El Amonte by El Qahira) is a half-sister to winners by Testa Rossa and General Nediym.  Their dam’s sister Red Nile won a Group 3 Mannerism Stakes at Caulfield.

Swettenham Stud has catalogued 3 colts by Equiano (Fr) for the Inglis Melbourne Premier and he has another 2 colts and a filly from outside clients for the Adelaide Magic Millions.

Swettenham Stud has 38 lots for Oaklands and inspections are well under way at Nagambie.  Apart from its own sires Equiano (Fr), Americain (USA) and Master of Design there are yearlings by leading stallions like I Am Invincible, Redoute’s Choice, Bel Esprit and Medaglia d’Oro.

SWETTENHAM PARADE
Inspections under way for Sue-Ann Khaw & Ciaran Maher