Sea Siren claimed her third Group 1 victory and took her career record to six wins from nine starts when winning the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley tonight.

Sea Siren

Sea Siren (pink and blue) was too strong in the Manikato Stakes. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia.

Having her first start since a winter campaign that included Group 1 wins in the BTC Cup (1200m) and Doomben 10,000 (1350m), there were no signs of first-up cobwebs as she jumped cleanly from barrier five.

Experienced jockey Jim Cassidy produced a textbook ride aboard the John O’Shea-trained mare, allowing her to sit just off the pace set by Satin Shoes and race favourite Buffering before unleashing her coming around the tight Moonee Valley home corner.

The daughter of Fastnet Rock quickly assumed the lead and was strong enough to hang on to win by nearly a half-length from Mental who produced an eye-catching second.

O’Shea said he was relieved that the exciting sprinter performed to her potential and is considering a tilt at the Hong Kong Spring in December.

“She doesn’t make too many mistakes, it was a really good performance tonight,” O’Shea said.

“She travelled beautifully and most importantly a great Jimmy Cassidy ride.

“I’d love to take her to Hong Kong. I think it’s the pinnacle of international racing around the world and I think she’ll be very effective.”

O’Shea said he had “some reservations” about taking sending her down the Flemington straight in the Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) on November 10 but Cassidy gave her the seal of approval.

“She’d run up hill, let alone in a straight line,” Cassidy said.

“I always thought she’d come back better [since Brisbane]…I just thought she could win, she’s a good filly.

“I rode her with confidence remembering that she was probably going to be on empty the last bit with improvement. It was a good effort.”

We’re Gonna Rock took third-place honours while seven-time Group 1 placegetter Buffering is still yet to crack it in the top grade and finished in sixth position.

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