O’Marilyn earned her connections an early return on a significant investment when she won at the first time of asking in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO (800m) at Pukekohe on Wednesday.

The O’Reilly filly is trained by Stephen McKee, whose father Trevor purchased the filly from Cambridge Stud for $130,000 at Karaka earlier this year.  She is a half-sister to G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Anacheeva and G1 Australian Derby winner Headturner.

“She’s pretty professional and jumped well to find the rail and that’s what it’s all about in these two-year-old races,” Stephen McKee said.  “This filly has always showed plenty, but she’s had a few growing issues along the way.”

O’Marilyn (2f O’Reilly – Monroe Magic by Zabeel) disputed the pace to the turn and kicked away in the run home for rider Sam Spratt to beat Riding Shotgun (Iffraaj), who copped a decent bump in the straight, by two lengths.

McKee and Spratt also combined with another debutante when NZ bred Pinzano (Pins) came from off the pace to win the Cable Shop Maiden (800m).