Tarquinn Shadow wins 2015 Starstruck Classic Listed $100,000 at Ascot (WA) 3yo+Fillies & Mares, 1600m.
Four-year-old mare Tarquinn Shadow was a surprise winner, but it was a smart effort, nevertheless. She began well from her good barrier (3) and settled in sixth place, between runners, before angling deeper and into clear running rounding the home turn. She hit the front at the 100m and then fought back to win, seeming to score with something in hand. It was also a very good ride by Lucy Warwick.
Vital Importance was midfield and wide without cover most of the way until nearing the home turn. She moved up well to challenge at the 200m and fought really well for a good second after a difficult trip.
Ideal Image had a good run in third place on the rails, was briefly held up at the home turn but got a split to challenge at the 200m. She then battled on well for a close-up third after looking to have every chance.
Favourite, three-yearold filly Blackwood, travelled nicely in fourth place, with cover, improved (three wide) approaching the home turn and looked a threat at the 200m but just kept fighting on from that point to finish (1.5 lengths) fourth, also seeming to have every chance.
