Paradis Imperial makes it five on end

Rockhampton filly Paradis Imperial has maintained her unbeaten record and surprised her trainer Tony McMahon with the ease of her win at Eagle Farm.

Paradis Imperial had won her previous four starts at Rockhampton and Mackay in impressive style and was stepping out for her biggest test on Saturday.

Sent out at $5, Paradis Imperial went straight to the lead and beat South of France ($9) by 2-1/2 lengths in the QTIS Two-Year-Old (1000m).

McMahon admitted he hadn’t been convinced Paradis Imperial could lead all the way to win a city race so easily.

“She did beat Royal Myth on protest first-up in Rockhampton and that horse has raced well in Saturday Brisbane class,” McMahon said.

“But I wasn’t pleased when she was left in front today. She lifted another level and she really is a promising horse.”

Paradis Imperial will now head back to McMahon’s central Queensland property but could be back for the winter carnival in Brisbane.

McMahon has had a long and varied career in racing as a race caller for 43 years, chief steward in the Northern Rivers and as a racing journalist.

But he has usually had his hand in as a trainer and currently has five horses in work.

A daughter of first-season sire Instinction, Paradis Imperial cost $9000 and the filly took her prize money and bonus payments to $185,000 with Saturday’s win.

“There are only a few of her sire Instinction’s offspring racing but I reckon there will be a few people chasing them now,” McMahon said.

Trainer David Vandyke was pleased with the second of South of France who came from well back in the field.

“There is a 1200 metre race in a fortnight which will really suit him,” he said.