Sweet Little Lies bolts in on debut

Training partners Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra will give Sweet Little Lies a chance to earn her way into next month's Group I Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) after the filly thumped her opposition in Saturday's Thomas North Plate (1100m) at Caulfield.

Sweet Little Lies proved herself worthy of discussion among Blue Diamond Stakes chances after showing abundant speed to lead her rivals easily throughout to post a 4-3/4-length debut win.

Zahra said the stable did not enter Sweet Little Lies in Victoria's richest two-year-old race but said the Blue Diamond Stakes was the logical target for the daughter of Elusive Quality.

"We'll take every day it comes,” Zahra said. "She will go for a freshen-up and come back here on Australia Day. We will probably have to go to the Blue Diamond races now.

"We have to have a shot; she has all of the natural ability. You have got to do it.

"She would need to win the Blue Diamond Preview for us to consider paying a late entry fee for the Blue Diamond but she showed she is capable of doing it.”

Sweet Little Lies started as a $2.80 chance despite the presence of some well-bred youngsters from the Mick Price, Peter Snowden and David Hayes stables.

Zahra attributed the short price to Sweet Little Lies's jumpout performances at Flemington, which caught the eye of many observers - including rival trainers - but the filly performed better in her race debut than her trials.

"She actually relaxed better in the race,” Zahra said. "She was working through the bridle in her trial. The thing is, she relaxed really well and had plenty to offer on the home turn.

"He (jockey Chris Symons) gave her a slap and she put five on them. That was what you were hoping she was going to do.”