James McDonald has declared brilliant filly Ghisoni as the horse to beat should she run in the Stradbroke Handicap in a fortnight's time after she toughed out a quality victory at Doomben on Saturday.
John O'Shea's rising star was forced to burn the candle from both ends over the 1350m of the Glenlogan Park Stakes, parking outside the pace on a hot speed before fending off the gutsy Cradle Me deep into the straight.
The race was run in just under a second outside of the track record and McDonald was quick to suggest she was the horse to run down in the big winter feature, where she has been wound in to $7.50 from $11.
She would carry just 50.5kg, meaning McDonald would have to vacate the ride unless connections opt for one of the fillies and mares races like the group 2 Dane Ripper (1400m).
"She is very exciting. They made her work so hard early and a filly like that, she's vulnerable against those older mares. She dug deep, she still had a bit left too," McDonald said.
"If it was mine I'd stick to the fillies and mares ... I want to ride her, that's why. If I could make 50kg I'd definitely be in the Straddie because she's definitely one to beat. She's no ordinary filly. She's very special."
