Alpha Miss wins 2015 Schillaci Stakes Group 2 $400,000 at Caulfield (VIC) 3yo+, 1100m.
Alpha Miss, having her first run for just over 12 month and resuming here for new trainer Robert Smerdon, scored a very smart first-up win. She was quickly away and settled nicely in second place (tracking the favourite Lankan Rupee) before going to the front approaching the 100m and then going on to win quite impressively.
SA-trained outsider Cashed settled in last place in the six-horse field and remained there to the home turn, where he fanned deep. He then put in a good run, challenged at the 100m and fought well for a very good second.
Five-time Group One winner Lankan Rupee showed his usual pace and soon led, but he remained away from the inside rail. He held the front at the 200m but was under pressure shortly afterward and just lasted to hold third, racing well below his best form.
The Monstar was back in fourth place to the home turn and kept battling on well to finish (1.7 lengths) fourth, just missing third in a photo.
I Love It held on quite well for (2.7 lengths) fifth after racing in that position most of the way while Shiraz was a handy third but disappointed, weakening for (6.7 lengths) last.
