Jockey Michael Dee has chalked up a four-timer on Saturday afternoon at Caulfield, with Rose Quartz (+500) leading all the way in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m).
It was a winning double for the Grahame Begg barn teaming up with Dee as well, with Magic Time taking out the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) earlier in the program.
It’s been a day where on speed gallopers have had a significant advantage, however, take nothing away from the daughter of Witten Tycoon, running them along at a strong tempo throughout the 1200m contest.
After three starts in the campaign allowing the six-year-old mare to take a sit, the pattern of the day forced the hand of Dee, letting Rose Quartz stride forward from barrier four.
She Dances (+140) landed outside the leader for Linda Meech as she searched for a third-straight win of the preparation.
The pair looked set to battle it out turning for home, before Ghaanati (+1200) produced a late burst to threaten the leader.
It was to no avail in the end though, as Rose Quartz picked up a much-deserved victory.
2023 How Now Stakes Replay – Rose Quartz | T: Grahame Begg | J: Michael Dee
Grahame Begg spoke once again on an outstanding day for the stable and testified to the consistency of his mare throughout a testing campaign.
“She’s been tinkering around the outskirts and been placed a couple of times, but it was good to seal the deal and get that Group win on the board,” Begg said.
“She’s a well related mare and she tries very, very hard.
“A great day for the stable and a loyal group of clients.
“She’s been frustrating over time, but she got the job done and Mick rode her fantastically.”
Michael Dee had a terrific day and spoke about his mount post-race.
“I feel kind of sad that I knocked him (Damien Oliver) off in the last, it would have been nice for him to win this race, but I’m glad to be the eventual winner anyway,” Dee said.
“She’s always had great ability.
“Today we conceded, let her go to the front, let her roll and keep her happy that way and she proved too good.
“I thought at the top of the straight that (Peter) Moody’s horse She Dances was going to come with us and to her credit she kept fighting and got the job done.”
