Sunlight is a step closer to making a return to racing after an impressive trial win at Cranbourne.
The Tony McEvoy-trained filly could be seen in action as early as Saturday having been entered for the Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Last season’s Magic Millions Classic winner hasn’t raced since winning the Quezette Stakes over the same course and distance in August.
After being sent to Sydney to prepare for a tilt at the Group One Golden Rose, Sunlight spiked a temperature which thwarted those plans.
Sunlight showed she was over her ailment when she ran the quickest of the 800m trials on Monday, running 44.80 secs to win by 5-1/2 lengths.
“She was lovely,” McEvoy said.
“She showed her speed, sustained her speed and had a nice hit-out and I was really pleased with what I saw.
“When she had a setback we took all the pressure off her.
“Her gallops had been good at Flemington but I wanted to take her away and just see where we were.”
McEvoy said Sunlight appeared to pull up well after the hit-out and he would assess the filly’s condition on Tuesday.
If Sunlight doesn’t line up on Saturday she will return in the Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield on October 17.
“I’ll make that decision in the next 24 hours or so with how she’s come through this trial,” McEvoy said.
McEvoy said the ultimate goal for Sunlight this campaign was the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on November 3.
