Exosphere Reaches Skyline

Exosphere was the impressive and wide-margin winner of the Group Two Pro-Ride Skyline Stakes over six furlongs on turf at Warwick Farm, Australia, on Saturday, February 28.

The two-year-old Lonhro colt, trained by John O'Shea and ridden by James McDonald, was slightly slow into stride and held up when racing a bit keenly in second last of the seven runners.

Switched out turning for home, Exosphere came widest of all into the straight to throw down a challenge and settled matters swiftly when showing a terrific turn of foot to go to the front with over a furlong left.

He quickly went clear under a hands-and-heels ride and was eased down in the closing stages for a very easy success in 1m 10.68s on ground described as soft.

Stable companion Mogador, partnered by James Doyle, led briefly soon after the start and then raced a close second.

Another Lonhro colt, Mogador led again entering the straight but was one-paced inside the final furlong and finished third before being demoted to fourth by the stewards.

John O'Shea commented: "Exosphere showed a good turn of foot in the straight for a very impressive win.

"Mogador wasn't happy in the soft ground early in the day and may suit being ridden a bit quieter."

The Group One Tooheys New Golden Slipper over six furlongs at Rosehill Gardens on March 21 is likely to be Exosphere's next target.