Ciaron’s Star (2f I Am Invincible x Bonny O’Reilly) produced an admirable performance to finish third in Saturday’s million dollar Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes, overcoming a difficult start that left her well behind the field in the early stages. The promising filly was detached by as much as six lengths shortly after the gates opened, forcing her to settle at the tail while her rivals established position up front.

Despite the early setback, Ciaron’s Star began to build momentum approaching the turn, gradually making up ground under a patient ride by Tommy Berry. While the leaders quickened into the straight, she was still facing a significant deficit, but her closing effort quickly became one of the standout runs where she ran the fastest last 600 metres of the race.

In the final furlong, Ciaron’s Star surged past several tiring runners, displaying both resilience and a strong finishing burst to claim third place and gain some important black type. Although she was unable to reel in the eventual winner Cherry Bomshell and runner-up Medicinal, her late charge suggested she may have been a serious contender with a cleaner start.

The filly’s ability to recover from adversity and finish off powerfully at Group 2 level was very promising and with natural improvement, Ciaron’s Star looks well placed to make her presence felt in the three year old fillies races in the Spring.