Classy mare Charm Stone ($11) delivered on her enormous promise, storming home to claim the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday for trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr and jockey Mark Zahra.
Resuming from a spell after a strong Queensland campaign, Charm Stone settled near the rear after a patchy start but produced a dazzling turn of foot when it mattered most.
Zahra, who had already picked up two Group wins earlier, including the Australasian Oaks with Benagil, timed his run perfectly, allowing the four-year-old to wind up out wide before hitting the front inside the final 100m.
The daughter of I Am Invincible held off a brave challenge from Ameena ($15) by just over a neck, with Commemorative ($6.50EF) a further half-length back in third.
2025 Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes Replay – Charm Stone
It was an emotional win for the stable and a patient ownership group after Charm Stone was sidelined for nearly a year following knee surgery.
“She’s a beautiful mare and has always had this level of ability,” Mick Price said post-race.
“It’s very satisfying for the team and the owners, especially after giving her the time she needed to recover.”
Charm Stone’s victory was also a tribute to Price and Kent Jnr’s meticulous preparation, having only given the mare two lead-up jump-outs ahead of her return.
Zahra praised the training effort, noting Charm Stone was “smoking the pipe” early before showing her class late.
It was a deserved reward for connections, with Charm Stone now boasting four wins and more than $1.3 million in prizemoney from her 11-start career.
“She’s taken on the older mares today and beaten them at the highest level,” Zahra said.
“She’s a good one, no doubt about it.”
Plans are already in motion for a tilt at the Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) in a fortnight, where she is currently an $8 chance with .
Charm Stone’s Group 1 breakthrough was a fitting highlight on a brilliant day for Zahra, who continued his golden run in Adelaide.
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