Thunder Lady wins 2014 Racing.Com Wakeful Stakes Group 2 $300,000 at Flemington (VIC) 3yo Fillies, 2000m.
The maiden filly Thunder Lady scored a surprise win but showed she is a promising stayer appreciating the step up in distance. She travelled nicely in tenth place, one off the rails, but was held up for clear running at the field packed on rounding the home turn. She got a split at the 300m, challenged at the 200m and finished too well to score by just under a length, lodging sound claims for next Thursday’s VRC Oaks (Gr 1, 2500m).
The favourite Abduction had a good run in fifth place with cover, moved up well on turning for home and looked the winner when she took the lead at the 400m but found the winner a bit too strong nearing the post for second, beaten three quarters of a length.
Fenway travelled well in eighth place one off the rails, improved between runners coming to the turn, going to fourth at the 400m. She then kept battling on for a sound third after seeming to have every chance.
Golconda was back in 12th place to the 800m and ran on well for a late-closing fourth, beaten two lengths.
Yesterjoy showed pace today and was handily placed, racing outside the leader in the mid-stages before finishing
(3.8 lengths) fifth in a much-improved effort.Fontein Ruby worked to take the lead from her wide barrier (11) and tired in the straight for (4.6 lengths) sixth.
