Favourite backers were happy with themselves a long way out from home as The Map (+100) made a mess of her rivals in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2500m) at Morphettville.
Having not been since finishing second in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m), Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray opted to give their classy mare a seven-week fresh-up heading into the race.
With eventual runner-up Crimson Vine (+1000) setting a moderate tempo over the staying trip, the race was always going to come down to who would sprint the best.
Despite rank outsider Wolf Prince (+6000) putting in a bold run nearing the home turn, race favourites The Map and First Immortal (+200) were biding their time in a midfield position.
As Crimson Vine regained the lead at the top of the straight, First Immortal loomed up, but in doing so gave The Map a perfect tow into the race.
When Jamie Kah asked for the ultimate effort, the five-year-old responded in kind and kicked clear with 300m to go and put 3.7 lengths on her rivals.
2024 Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup Replay – The Map
Following the win, co-trainer Oopy MacGillivray was quick to declare the stables hand, confirming The Map would next be seen in the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) on May 18 at Flemington.
“Let’s hope she pulls up from this and she can go to May 18 and the Andrew Ramsden and we can get that Golden Ticket,” she told Racing.com post-race as they hunt a spot in the Melbourne through the win-and-your win Andrew Ramsden.
“When they go out at $1.90, or whatever, you’re always relieved. Also I just love that horse and every time she does something like that, my heart explodes.
“She tried her heart out. I just love her.”
Having steered The Map to victory on Melbourne Cup Day last year, Jamie Kah was clearly ecstatic following the pair’s win.
“Every time I ride for The Map for these guys, it feels like I win a Group 1. It’s awesome, it’s a great feeling,” Kah said.
“She felt like a 1200-metre horse then. I just had to coast and cruise on her everywhere.
“We were hoping for that in the Adelaide Cup, but maybe we just have to wait for the Melbourne Cup.”
Following the win, The Map is a +2500 chance in Melbourne Cup betting markets with horse racing bookmakers.
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