Black Pearl Classic (LR)
Lightly raced four-year-old mare River Delta took her record to four wins from five starts with a narrow but good win, resuming here. She began well from her wide barrier (10) and raced in fifth place, three deep with cover before moving up nearing the home turn. She sprinted quickly to challenge at the 100m and then fought gamely to score by half a head. Danestroem was smartly away from her inside barrier (1) and narrowly retained the lead on the rails despite a lot of pressure and drew to a clear lead on straightening. She then fought on particularly well after a difficult trip for a very good second. Nadeem Lass was ridden quietly and settled well back on the rails, following a strong tempo. She stuck to the rails on turning for home and got along the fence to challenge at the 100m and then fought on for a close third. Jacinta worked hard to be outside the leader and held on for fourth while Hazard ran on late from the tail of the field to finish (3.8 lengths) fifth. The second favourite Griante was eighth, three wide with cover. Moved up a strong run on straightening but weakened on that effort to finish (4 lengths) eighth.
Previous Winners
| Date | Horse | Jockey | WT | Trainer | BP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
LADY ANTEBELLUM
(AUS)
5M HUSSONET (USA) - ARISTOCRACY (AUS) DANEHILL (USA) |
B MELHAM | 54.5 | LEON CORSTENS | 7 |
|
|
HONEY FLOWER
(AUS)
4M BEL ESPRIT (AUS) - OCRAN (AUS) PICNICKER (AUS) |
DAMIEN OLIVER | 54.5 | R S MCDONALD | 1 |
|
|
INABLITZ
(AUS)
6M TESTA ROSSA (AUS) - QUEEN KAHUNA (AUS) RUSTIC AMBER (IRE) |
C NEWITT | 54.5 | MICK PRICE | 9 |
