Only four three year-old fillies contested the 1000m maiden at Bendigo on Wednesday, but the Ciaron Maher trained London Fields won in a manner suggesting more wins are in store.
The daughter of Stay Inside was given a patient ride by Jabez Johnstone to settle last in the small field before surging up the fence to take the lead after turning for home.
She was a touch green when striking the front, but stuck to her task well to go on and win by more than a length.
Debut winner for Stay Inside
London Fields (3f Stay Inside x Soffika)
400k buy for @cmaherracing & E Lucas from @SledmereStud at @inglis_sales Australian EasterSeason winner 4 for the 2nd season sire. 9 winners first season@NewgateFarm pic.twitter.com/IKhnPeav8I
— Breednet (@BreednetNews) August 26, 2026
A $400,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Ciaron Maher Bloodstock / E Lucas from the Sledmere Stud draft, London Fields looks to have plenty of upside going forward.
“She came here today off two jump outs and the second of those was on a heavy track which we hoped would bode well for today and it did,” said stable representative Tom Gerrard.
“She was very professional and switched off well in behind and quickened well. She had a little look around when she got to the front, but was strong through the line and hopefully she can improve from that.”
Bred by Picko Pty Ltd, London Fields is the first foal from Soffika (IRE), a Group III placed Zoffany mare from the family of triple Group I winner Notnowcato.
Soffika has been married to Stay Inside and her 2YO colt by the Golden Slipper winning sire made $200,000 at Inglis Easter this year and she has another yearling filly by him to follow, but unfortunately missed to him last spring.
London Fields is the fourth winner of the new season for Stay Inside, who stands at a fee of $66,000 at Newgate.