The Swettenham Stud Dash For Cash (900m) at Sandown on Saturday was a dream result for the connections of odds-on favourite Members Joy.

The Hussonet filly is heading for a G1 Blue Diamond campaign after a brilliant debut for the MRC Members Horse Club Syndicate who lease her from Adam Sangster’s Swettenham Stud.

Sangster bought the grey filly for $85,000 from Arrowfield Stud at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  The MRC Horse Club consists of 9,000 Melbourne Racing Club members.

“She could have run Cup week but lost her footing coming back from the pool and took a bit of skin off,” trainer Robert Smerdon told AAP.  “She’s coped really well so she could go on and have another run before a break.”

Smerdon has some decisions ahead.  Besides the Blue Diamond, Members Joy is eligible for the Magic Millions Classic in January.

Members also welcomed the Melbourne Race Club’s decision to opened the bar after the Hussonet filly gave Michael Rodd a dream ride on debut.  “She’s got a bit of attitude but travelled very well,” Rodd said.  “I let her run down the hill and she surprised me with how much she quickened.  

Swettenham Stud also celebrated because Sangster had been given the task of selecting a horse for the Members at this year’s Magic Millions Sales.  He selected the filly by Arrowfield / Cornerstone sire Hussonet from Flying Spur winner Rosa’s Spur.

Since then the syndicate has enjoyed tours to Swettenham Stud and barbecues at Aquanita.  Excitement began building in the lead up to her debut and that will reach fever pitch if she keeps progressing towards the big pay-days ahead.