Sydney G1 For Exosphere

A return to Sydney and another G1 campaign is ahead for talented colt Exosphere following his defeat in the G1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, February 20.

Exosphere (John O'Shea/James McDonald) finished fourth behind Chautauqua, the world's highest-ranked sprinter after being stranded on his own when the field split to opposite sides of the track soon after the start.

Trainer John O'Shea described the run as "outstanding but disappointing" and said his faith in the three-year-old son of Lonhro is undiminished.

"It was an outstanding performance under the circumstances and we will continue with his autumn campaign," O'Shea said.

"We'll get him back to Sydney next week and get him ready for the G1 TJ Smith Stakes."

Exosphere established himself as Australia's leading three-year-old sprinter last spring with his wins in the G1 Golden Rose and the G2 Roman Consul Stakes.

His fourth placing on Saturday followed the same result in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at his previous run last October over the same Flemington straight course.

In the G1 Lightning Stakes he was left alone in the worst going when the rest of the field went to the grandstand side and finished two lengths from the winner.

Earlier on the Flemington card the classy filly Estaminet (Lee and Anthony Freedman /James McDonald) scored impressively in the ungraded Auckland Racing Club Trophy.

Co-trainer Lee Freedman said the win confirmed his view that the daughter of Lonhro deserved her chance at a stakes victory this autumn, with Sydney the most likely venue at which it could be achieved.

"She's so explosive at these shorter trips, but 1100 metres generally sees her out," Freedman said.

"We'll find something for her in Sydney during the carnival and try to get her the black type she deserves."