A move by the Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock barn to miss the Group 1 Australasian Oaks has paid dividends, as Let’sbefrankbaby ($3.10) took out the Group 3 SA Fillies Classic on Saturday afternoon.
The three-year-old filly bypassed the Group 1 attempt after finding the minor money in the Group 3 Auraria Stakes, with the stable then electing to get a confidence building win last start at Cranbourne at BM70 level.
In a master stroke by the training duo, it’s seen their progressive filly take out her first stakes win, taking down Moya Lass ($4) in a grandstand finish.
It was a patient steer from jockey Jamie Mott, seeing his third success on the daughter of Frankel in as many rides.
She got back just worse than mid-field on a moderate tempo set by November Fall ($61), while Whispering Lady ($5.50) had the stalking position, peeling off the back of the leader as the race went on.
Let’sbefrankbaby was too good in the end though, outstaying her rivals as Jamie Mott picked up a big win prior to his ride on Lofty Strike in the Group 1 Goodwood.
2023 Group 3 SA Fillies Classic Replay – Let’sbefrankbaby
Co-trainer Mathew de Kock spoke about his filly’s toughness post-race and identifying this race a long way out. Before praising jockey Jamie Mott and whether Let’sbefrankbaby would press on to a Queensland campaign.
“We airmarked this race in November,” said de Kock.
“So it was all gearing towards today – so well done to the whole team.
“It looked like we got headed at one stage, but this filly is very verry tough. Big ups to Jamie Mott, he’s three for three on this filly and I know he’s under a lot of pressure today, so well done to him.
“There is a chance (heading to Brisbane) but we’ll just celebrate today first.”
Jamie Mott praised his filly and stable in the post-race assessment suggesting she’ll be even betting moving forward.
“She’s a very good horse,” said Mott.
“They’ve (Griffiths & De Kock) placed her really well this preparation and hence the reason she keeps winning.
“The good thing about her is she’s able to come back underneath you and relax, and although they were going too slow, she was still relaxed and I knew she was going to be strong late.”
Let’sbefrankbaby is currently a $26 chance with online bookmakers if they elect to head to Brisbane for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks.
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