3 minute read
Flying Machine Karuta Queen needed to only run up to her last start to win today's Group 3 1300 Australia Stakes and she did just that, dominating from the front.
The Queanbeyan based filly was game in defeat as she chased home champion mare Black Caviar last start in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes.
She was no match for the winner but fought off the others to finish runner.
With no Black Caviar engaged today, though, the filly controlled the race from the front and ran out a soft winner by almost three lengths, clocking 1.10.6 on a track rated a dead (4) after showers throughout the morning.
Flying the gates, Karuta Queen quickly assumed her place in the lead but coming to the turn the challengers had edged closer and looked likely to test her.
But jockey Tommy Berry was only kidding as she burnt off her rivals out of the turn and quickly set up a winning break.
Miss Stellabelle ran on well to grab second while Amah Rock held third. Most Husbands got home late to finish fourth.
“This was her race,” winning rider Tommy Berry said.
“Everyone keeps saying 'she won't run 1200 (metres), she won't do this.' I knew she'd do it. She is my little superstar
“It just shows she can relax. In her last prep we used to let her run along and it's getting them to chase her now, we're letting them come up to her and sprinting away.
“Moonee Valley isn't her track, she didn't get around it that great again today so (we're) looking forward to Flemington on Cup Day.
“She is no Black Caviar but she is a super filly for me.”
Karuta Queen, who has now won six of 11 starts and over $1.7 million in prizemoney, will now target a three-year-old race down the straight at Flemington on Cup day.