More often than not, Papillon Club meets her challenges, and she did so again in fine fashion with a comfortable win in the Alexandra Stakes at The Valley on Friday night.
The three-year-old daughter of Toronado took control of the Group 3 mile race worth $200,000 at the turn, going on to win by 2 ½ lengths with Tim Clark aboard.
The commanding victory showed how far the filly has come since saluting at maiden level over 1200m at Geelong on November 30 last year.
Her trainer Greg Eurell has been delighted at the way she has progressed.
“She won her maiden (on November 30), and has kept going to where she is now,” he told HorseBetting.com.au.
“She had a very little let-up at the barn for 10 days, so she’s had a long prep.
“And to go from where she’s started to finish a Group winner has been great.”
Now with three wins from six starts and set to enjoy a spell, Eurell said Papillon Club possessed a sought-after combination of natural skills and toughness.
“It was the end of her prep and she’s been up a long time,” he said.
“She still got the job done and did a super job.
“That only highlights her ability and her tenacity to hold her prep together.
“She’s got a lot to like about her. She’s a lovely filly.
“She eats, goes out and does her work and she’s always the same.
“It’s very easy to program her work, so that makes the job a lot easier.”
Friday night’s victory was a well-deserved one because Papillon Club was edged out by Revolutionary Miss in the Kewney Stakes last start at Flemington on March 11.
Peter and Paul Snowden’s three-year-old finished runner-up in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes on Friday night.
With Papillon Club defeating the 11-start Amati for Chris Waller in her latest assignment, it was further evidence she enjoys stepping up against more-experienced runners.
“At the races she always gets asked questions and gives everything she’s got,” Eurell said.
“Last start she was unlucky not to get away with that one. But it (Revolutionary Miss) came out and ran a good race (in the Sunline Stakes).”
