Maddy Wishart shows maturity in Epic ride

Claiming apprentice Maddy Wishart showed her maturing attitude to riding with a clever all-the-way win on Boom Boom Epic at Doomben.

Wishart was able to take Boom Boom Epic ($4.40) to the lead and walked the first 1200m before sprinting home to beat Populist ($1.80) by a neck in the Miller’s Swim School Handicap (2200m).

Trainer Chris Anderson said he and Wishart had worked out that if they led at a slow pace Boom Boom Epic could outsprint the favourite Populist.

“She followed the plan to perfection and had enough in the tank to hold off Populist,” Anderson said.

“Boom Boom Epic is probably best around 1600m to 2000m and the 2200m might usually be too far. But when she can lead like that she is always going to be hard to beat.

“Maddy just keeps improving and with a 3kg claim she will be in demand in coming weeks.”

The mare is a sister to Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner Saluter and smart galloper Epic Girl.

“It is a good family and she has won six races now so she will be a valuable broodmare,” Anderson said.

Populist followed Boom Boom Epic almost the whole way but couldn’t sprint when the mare accelerated on the turn.