Jasmin Rogue ($34) has caused a boilover in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon after producing a strong finish to nab Tobeornottobe in the final 100m of the 1200m contest.
The Clinton McDonald-trained filly recorded a third-place finish at Bendigo on debut, but horse racing bookmakers were happy to let punters on, as she drifted slightly from an opening quote of $31 to $34 at the jump.
Marilyn’s Edge ($51), Blackberry Bomb ($34) and Tobeornottobe ($5.50) jumped smartly from their barriers to find the front, with Ethan Brown electing to sit three-wide on the runner-up, while Rich Dottie ($4) found her back and Always Enuff ($51) received the run of the race in the box seat.
With only one turn to navigate, Tobeornottobe took over from the slowing leaders on her inside and gave a strong kick at the top of the straight.
Rich Dottie and Always Enuff looked as though they had something to give and were produced for their finishing bursts, but it was Ben Melham on the eventual winner, who slid through the pack and took an inside run.
After settling wide, Tobeornottobe started to take smaller steps in the final 100m, and it was Jasmin Rogue who let down with a blistering turn of foot to glide past to run away with the victory, while On Display ($16) made up a lot of ground down the middle of the track to finish third.
2024 Thoroughbred Club Stakes replay – Jasmin Rogue
Ali Kennedy-McDonald represented the winning stable in the post-race interview.
“We’ve always thought she had a bit of ability. I’m a bit shocked, actually,” Kennedy-McDonald said.
“We expected her to run well and finish off well but she’s still green and still learning and for her to do that, she’s tough.
“We wanted to ride her quiet like in her trials where we thought when she got back she finished off a lot better.
“Ben rode on the fence for luck and it was a great ride.”
Ben Melham also spoke about the victory post-race.
“It was Clinton’s idea to run the filly and Jamie (Kah) was adamant that she would run well,” Melham said.
“They were proven right as I wasn’t as confident.
“I’m happy to be wrong on this occasion. Really nice filly.
“She has always shown good ability at home and she’s a long way from the finished product so to come here as a maiden and win at her second start with the upside that she’s got, it was great.
“There were some well-credentialed fillies in the race and all of them had more experience than her but without a doubt she certainly benefited with something to aim at.
“Very gutsy. She’s only little but great acceleration.”
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