Bargain-basement buy Penpel defeats $3 million filly Ernaux at Warwick Farm

Racing is a great leveller – as evidenced by the result of the Warwick Farm opener today in which a $3m yearling was beaten by a filly that cost just $20,000.

$20,000 buy Penpel defeats $3m filly Ernaux at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. Picture: Bradley Photos

Penpel, a bargain-basement buy of just $20,000 as a yearling, defeated the filly with a $3m price tag, Ernaux.

Racing is a great leveller as evidenced by the result of the Warwick Farm opener, the TAB Maiden (1100m), on Wednesday.

The Marc Conners-trained Penpel is only modestly-bred but she is big on ability and raced home to beat her high profile rival by three lengths.

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“She’s a really nice filly, we have always had a lot of time for her,’’ Conners said. “For a two-year-old filly, she has a massive stride on her.

“I thought she put the writing on the wall last start when she went super (second on debut to subsequent winner Agarwood).

“Today, she was really switched on and did everything right. She got the job done and we will send her to the paddock now and bring her back for spring.’’

It's Penpel with a statement win at Warwick Farm in the opener! 💥@ConnersMarc | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/qFoPslplrj

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Penpel ($3.20), ridden by the in-form Adam Hyeronimus, streaked clear in the straight to win by a big margin from the fast finishing Ernaux ($12) with Jarrito ($5.50) just over a length away third.

Hyeronimus was also impressed by the dominance of Penpel’s win.

“She raced well first time out and I was confident she would win today,’’ Hyeronimus said.

“I was very keen to let the stable know I wanted to ride her wherever she went.’’

But for connections of Ernaux, there was plenty of merit in her effort. She drifted back to near last on the rail and was in an awkward spot on the home turn.

Ernaux’s jockey James McDonald had to change course a couple of times in the straight before going back to the inside where the filly accelerated through to finish a promising second.