After taking out the Listed Nitschke Stakes last start, Caste for Ben & JD Hayes has brought up her maiden Group 2 victory, with a very impressive win in the Queen Of The South Stakes, defeating Foxy Frida and Waltz On By.
The three-year-old filly settled near the rear of the field, much like she has at all of her starts to date, and even though Foxy Frida exploded out of the pack in front of her to chase down the leader, to Caste’s credit she chased both runners down to win by half a length.
The daughter of Sir Prancealot has now taken her career record to four wins from six starts, while she has now put her name up in lights as she looks forward to a massive spring campaign in a few months’ time.
After jumping as a third favourite with online bookmakers at $6.50, Caste has managed to beat some good mares in the Queen Of The South Stakes and she appears to have a very bright future ahead of her.
2023 Queen Of The South Stakes Replay – Caste
Ben & JD Hayes may have a very smart filly on their hands, and Ben Hayes spoke post-race about their exciting Queen Of The South Stakes winner.
“That was very impressive, in what was a very hard race,” Hayes said.
“She came from the rear of the field and attacked the line to win over a mile, so to win a Group 2 of that when she is so down in the weights, it’s a great effort.
“We should have a lot of fun with her.
“We’ve had to take our time with her, but to be a big Group 2 winner at her sixth start and to win like that, it’s just so exciting.
“Never make raceday decisions, but I would be leaning towards sending her to the paddock and getting her ready for the spring.”
Michael Dee brought up a race-to-race double and a treble for the day with the win on Caste, and he spoke post-race.
“I thought she was handy before I won on her first-up at Sandown and she won extremely well that day, and then proved herself again last start and she just keeps on stepping up,” Dee said.
“The way she is winning, it’s certainly onwards and upwards from here.
“Foxy Frida kicked really well and I thought she’s probably kick too well to catch, but to my filly’s credit she has a good turn of foot and it was a good win.”
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