Lilac ($3.70) has fended off all challengers to claim the Group 3 HB Carr Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, making every post a winner under the urgings of James McDonald.
The daughter of Justify put the writing on the wall in her latest effort in the Group 3 P.J. Bell Stakes (1200m) on Day 1 of The Championships, only being headed by a half-length in the shadows of the post.
The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained filly was rewarded for her consistency on Saturday, with the three-year-old gaining the early ascendancy after jumping well from barrier one.
Clean Energy () was in the ideal stalking position on the back of Lilac; however, it would eventually be to her detriment, with the well supported favourite with horse racing bookmakers unable to get a crack at the leader in the concluding stages.
More Territories () and Churchill’s Choice ($13) were making good inroads late but were never within striking distance of Lilac, with the progressive filly booting clear at the furlong pole.
Lilac was simply too classy in the end, adding a third win to the resume at start nine and her second stakes win across her three-year-old season.
Annabel Nesham spoke post-race and was delighted with the result.
“She’s been brilliant all preparation and been thereabouts running great races in the Light Fingers and the Surround behind those really good fillies.”
“I thought she ran a gallant race two weeks ago and we were keen to end the prep on this run and we were happy to get James (McDonald) on,” said Neasham.
“He rated her perfectly and cuddled her to the top of the rise and she was very tough.
“I don’t think she came off the bridle at all. It was probably a painful watch for her owners but she’s a very exciting filly going forward.
“She’s so quick out of the gates and maybe she’s relaxing a bit better now. I’ve always thought that 1400-metres would be her max but the way she relaxed today, it was pretty comfortable in the end.
“We’ll chat with Champion Thoroughbred and Coolmore as well. There’s a great team of owners in this filly and the racing for four-year-old mares, there’s such a good program for them.
“There’ll be lots and lots of races for her like The Invitation. Onwards and upwards for her.”
James McDonald then spoke post-race.
“She was good. She’s a solid horse,” said McDonald.
“She enjoys a gallop and that’s what she did today. The drop back in grade is perfect for her.
“Maybe she was a tad keen from (barrier) one but as she gets older, she’ll get better.
“She’s run against the best of them, you know, in a race where Lady Of Camelot and Lady Shenandoah dominated. She’s a tier below them but that’s her race.”
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