Scorched Earth (Image: Racing Photos)
Trainer John Moloney felt twice a winner after his well-named filly Scorched Earth claimed black type at just her fourth race start at The Valley on Saturday.
Moloney said the daughter of Nicconi would be sent for a spell with earnings of about $250,000 following her victory in the Listed Valley Pearl (1200m), where she not only claimed her first Melbourne race, but proved to her trainer that she can be aimed at even bigger races next spring.
"I just wanted to see this run out of her today that gives us an linking towards the spring that says 'Ok, you might be alright at this caper' and so far she's good," Moloney said.
"I think she'd go longer (further). That's got to be determined but I'd like to think she could go longer the way she ran the race out today.
"She had to learn a bit more today. Getting in behind, doing it that way was good. She responded well to Damien's (Oliver) riding and was able to go on to the line in good fashion, I thought."
Scorched Earth ($2.40 fav) had the sit on the leaders and she managed to run down the Dio ($8) to win by three-quarters of a length, with Wizard Of Oz ($16) three lengths away in third place.
WATCH: Scorched Earth's win
Notably, Scorched Earth was a $90,000 yearling purchase while both Dio and Wizard Of Oz fetched $1.1 million as yearlings.
Oliver said he has always rated the filly highly and was pleased to have his first race ride on her.
"She's a lovely filly," he said. "I trialed her at Geelong and she impressed me that day.
"I wanted to ride her first-up, but I thought it'd be smarter to stick with the Godolphin team who have been supporting me really well. I've kept in close contact with Johnny (Moloney) because I wanted to ride her when I could.
"She was very impressive in Adelaide and backed it up again today.
"I always thought that if there was enough speed in the race that she could take a trail and she did it perfectly today."