Two-year-old filly Aristia (Image: Ellerton Zahra Racing)
While he's not one to push his two-year-olds, Mathew Ellerton loves seeing them get to the track before Christmas, particularly when everything about them points to them not being an early runner.
It's why the Flemington horseman is excited to saddle up Aristia in Friday night's CRT/Whites Rural Plate (1000m) at The Valley.
The daughter of Lonhro was purchased by First Light Racing for $80,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and, being out of Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) winner Nakaaya, connections predicted a bright future as a three-year-old.
WATCH: Aristia's December 1 jump-out at Flemington
But the professional juvenile has done everything right during her education process and, after several slick jump-out performances; the stable had little other option but to send her to the races.
"She's probably not one we identified as an early runner but she's shown nice ability and blossomed throughout the preparation so she's got herself to the races," Ellerton said.
"She's a filly with a bit of stretch and scope about her but she's got there pretty naturally herself.
"She's had two nice jump-outs at Flemington, gone well in both of them and while she's still got plenty to learn and develop, she's made the races before Christmas and that's a good sign for mine."
Aristia ($14) will jump from the inside barrier for Ben Thompson and while he's not confident she possesses the speed to lead the field of eight debutants, Ellerton is optimistic that she can make use of the draw.
CrownBet's market for the race - which was won by eventual Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy 12 months ago - is headed by Tony McEvoy's $1.8million filly Al Naifa ($2.70), ahead of the Lindsay Park duo of Yulong Mercury ($4) and Graceful Star ($6).
"I'm hoping she can jump and hold a spot third or fourth instead of ending up last on the fence which is not a good scenario," he said.