Commanding Jewel wins Let’s Elope Stakes Group 2 $200,000 at Flemington (VIC) 4yo+Mares, 1400m.
Commanding Jewel scored a narrow but impressive win. She settled fifth (three wide without cover) following a very steady early tempo (first 800m 50.51). Damien Oliver let her stride up (still three wide) from 600m to join the leaders rounding the turn. She took the lead at the 200m and then fought back gamely to win by a short neck sprinting home in quick time (last 600m 32.97).
Dear Demi was more handily placed then expected, racing in fourth place between runners. She angled into the clear at the 200m and battled on particularly well for a very good second.
Nautical was eighth on the rails to the turn. She switched across heels at the 300m and fought on nicely in the sprint home for a good third.
Bonaria was midfield, three wide following the subsequent winner. She switched out at the 400m and kept fighting on nicely for a sound fourth.
Gigwas near last, moved up wide with cover from the 600m and battled on soundly in the straight for a close-up fifth.
Gregers raced outside the leader, challenged at the 300m and then battled on for (1.7lengths)sixth after seeming to have every chance while Solicit led the field, setting a moderate early pace and held on fairly well in the straight for (2.5 lengths) seventh at her first run since April.
