Lucia Valentina wins 2015 Matriarch Stakes Group 2 $300,000 at Flemington (VIC) 4yo+Mares, 2000m.
Lucia Valentina went back from her wide barrier (14) as expected and settled at the tail of the 15-horse field. Damien Oliver asked her to improve (wide with cover) approaching the 600m, she fanned extremely wide on straightening (Oliver taking her towards the outside rail looking for superior going) and she hit the front at the 50m before going on to win impressively.
Manageress settled well, about ninth (wide with cover). She moved up rounding the home turn, challenged (wide out) and the 200m and fought well for a very good second.
Casino Dancer had a good run, about fifth, between runners. She got a split at the 300m and kept battling on well for a sound third.
Ungrateful Ellen was sixth (wide with cover). She switched out on turning for home and kept battling on well for (1.8 lengths) fourth.