Every Rose enjoyed a boilover in the 2021 Light Fingers Stakes results at Randwick first-up running the ideal trial ahead of the Group 1 $500,000 Surround Stakes (1400m) at the end of the month.

Two years ago, trainer Mark Newnham did Light Fingers – Surround Stakes double with his So You Think mare Nakeeta Jane (2019), and he looks to have a genuine chance to do it again this Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Choisir filly Every Rose went around at $21 in the Group 2 $200,000 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) on Apollo Stakes Day, but was set-up beautifully by Newnham for the race presenting fit off two strong trials.

Every Rose is onto the Group 1 Surround Stakes after winning the Light Fingers Stakes first-up. Photo: Steve Hart.

Jockey Joshua Parr had been confident after the latest hit-out on the progressive three-year-old and his confidence was rewarded as they beat home a field of better fancied rivals in the Group 2.

It was the first victory for Every Rose since her winning debut in October of 2019 in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m), and Newnham said it had been a game of patience getting her ripe for her second career success.

After getting clean away from the gates, Parr charged up out wide on Every Rose to lead the Light Fingers Stakes field around in a gutsy all-the-way performance out deep.

The favourite Away Game ($2.60) gave chase late and looked to have her chance once on the straight, but eventually had to settle for third as the Kris Lees-trained Never Talk ($16) charged up late to challenge and run an eye-catching second just a neck beaten.

“Heart in my mouth stuff,” Newnham told the media post-race.

“I was very confident at the corner, just a matter of whether her condition would hold out in the conditions today.

“Today’s conditions and the outside draw, just dampened my confidence a little bit, but horse and jockey were good enough.”

Newnham confirmed post-race plans to target the Surround Stakes 2021 on Chipping Norton Stakes Day with Every Rose.

“I’d say that’s where we’ll be heading,” he said.

“The 1400m at Randwick’s a good on-pace race for these types of fillies and it would be nice if we can pull off another one with her.

“She’s had a few little niggles, but this time in she’s had a trouble-free prep and it all went to plan.

“She’s a lovely mare.”

Every Rose was at $26 in all-in Surround Stakes betting at Ladbrokes.com.au before the Light Fingers Stakes results and subsequently firmed into $12.

Click here for the full futures Surround Stakes odds courtesy of Ladbrokes.com.au.

2021 Light Fingers Stakes Results  

Table Credit: Racing Australia.