Gerald Ryan claimed the Black Opal with Lucky Raquie on Sunday for another feature two-year-old win.
The Gerald Ryan-trained filly Lucky Raquie put up a strong effort to win.
She was allowed time to find her feet and was midfield and three wide with cover on settling. She was pushed very deep on straightening but showed a good turn of foot to challenge approaching the 200m.
She then ran on resolutely to win by three quarters of a length. It was a smart effort, she looks suited to further, and looks a quality filly.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained colt Mr Cha Cha ($3.30 second fav) showed good pace and worked across from his barrier (9) to be outside the leader (I Am Snippety) at the 700m. He was under pressure half-way down the straight but responded well and battled on for a good second after a difficult trip.
The winner’s stablemate Klammer was second early then eased to be one out and one back at the 700m. He moved up at the home turn, challenged at the 200m and battled on quite well for third.
I Am Snippety went straight to the lead and showed good pace, leading the field until the final 100m before finishing one and half lengths fourth.
The Darley-raced Ghibellines ($3 fav) raced in eighth place, one of the rails before switching out to make his bid on rounding the home turn. He was in a challenging position at the 200m but only battled from that point to finish two lengths fifth, in a slightly disappointing effort.
