Nash Rawiller has provided favourite backers with a race-to-race double, as Princess Grace ($4.40) has squeezed through a gap to score a dominant win in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown.
This Chris Waller-trained mare was just second-up here in Australia after an eye-catching run in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes and has gone on with the job to secure her first stakes success outside of the United States.
The firming track was clearly a benefit to this daughter of Japanese sire Karakontie and with the upgrade was never in doubt once Nash Rawiller got clear with 200m to go.
Expat ($4.60) set-up a genuine tempo and was brave to kick on finding second position while a wall of horses fought out the remaining minor positions, with Dalchini ($34) running into third at a massive price, while Tycoon Evie ($6) would settle for fourth.
It was Princess Grace who got the breaks at the right time however, and once she saw clean galloping air, it was all over.
2023 Hawkesbury Crown Replay – Princess Grace
Stable representative Charlie Duckworth spoke post-race about their stylish mare and despite considering heading to the paddock, elected to head to Hawkesbury to secure an impressive win.
“We were 50/50 whether we gave her a second run or we just waited for the spring carnival,” said Duckworth.
“When she drew well today we said ‘let’s take our chances’ especially when the track came up 5 (soft) rather than the heavy track.
“Nash (Rawiller) gave her a beautiful ride and obviously looked a bit dicey, but no better man tohave on when you’re stuck in a bit of a tight spot. He always seems to find his way out.
Duckworth went on to discuss possible targets in the spring as well.
“You’d be thinking races like the Myer (Empire Rose) and those sort of fillies Group 1’s would be the path for her in spring.
“Her brilliance might have gotten away with it today over 13 (1300m), but we didn’t quite realise how much she had in hand.
“It’s a nice prospect to have.”
More horse racing news
