James McDonald edges out apprentice Siena Grima on Amusing in a two-horse slugfest at Rosehill
Grima ensured McDonald was forced to endure a few nervous moments after launching her challenge on Chris Waller-trained stablemate Travolta.
The duo paired off in the straight to fight out a thrilling finish to the Rosehill Bowling Club Benchmark 78 Handicap (1900m).
Travolta headed Amusing inside the furlong pole but McDonald's decision to switch whip hands proved key as his mare lifted late to score.
'I definitely put a bit of worry into him (McDonald),' Grima said.
'When he saw me staying up next to him, it was a massive effort from the horse, he ran super and Mr Waller was happy so that's all I can ask.'
Grima had already had a week to remember with the Tamworth-based rider snaring her maiden Sydney city winner on the Waller-trained Tazima at Randwick Kensington on Wednesday.
Waller was more than happy to put the young hoop back on another of his key chances and Grima made the most of her opportunity when locking horns with Sydney's nine-time premiership winning jockey.
Amusing ($3.40 favourite) edged out Travolta ($4) by a long head with Stirling Osland's So You Are ($9.50) two lengths away in third.
'It was a good determined finish from both riders,' Waller said.
'They got close but kept at it.
'Siena rode her horse very well and saved all the ground but I just think it showed with fitness with James' horse Amusing.
'She is a tough horse and you could see she really wanted to win the race so I think she is on the right path to black type.'
McDonald felt Amusing's victory had added merit after the mare had over-raced in the early stages.
'She pulled so hard the first 1000m so she's done a really good job,' he said.
'When I needed a bit more late, she dug deep and found it for me. She is a lovely mare.'
Amusing gave Waller his first winner for Godolphin when the mare won at the same venue over 1500m at the first metropolitan meeting of the new season earlier this month.
The classy daughter of Masar has now put together three straight victories with Waller now set to consider a stakes assignment.
'After her last win I was thinking about the Aspiration and the Epona in the autumn but after today do you look at a race like the Wyong Cup?' Waller said.
'While the other horses are still getting fit, she is rock hard fit.
'The 2100m will be no problem, we just have to get her to settle a little bit better.'
It was McDonald's turn to be narrowly denied shortly after when the Bjorn Baker-trained War Eternal ($2.60 favourite) got the better of Birdman ($5.50) in the Captivant Kia Ora Handicap (1400m).
An incisive ride from Jason Collett helped War Eternal slice his way through the pack with his race fitness proving crucial late as he held off the challenge of Waller's Birdman while Land Legend produced a flashing light run to scorch home from the back for third.
'He deserved that,' Baker's racing manager Luke Hilton said.
'He has been racing really well this preparation and is a good old campaigner.
'Last prep he won third-up and he's done the same this prep with Jason Collett on.'
War Eternal's latest success could encourage the Baker yard to give the talented son of Pierro another crack at stakes grade as the spring carnival prepares to heat up.
'He is a seven-year-old so he is probably at the top of his game at the moment but there might be not as strong of a Listed or stakes race that we can find for him,' Hilton said.
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