Eleonora wins 2016 Ethereal Stakes Group 3 $150,000 at Caulfield (VIC) 3yoFillies, 2000m.
New Zealand filly Eleonora staged a good trial for the VRC Oaks (Gr 1, 2500m) with a nice win here. She was given a good trip by Damien Oliver, racing in fifth place, one off the rails, behind a steady tempo (first 1400m 1:28.90). She angled into clear running nearing the home turn, took the lead at the 200m and then fought back well to score well.
Tiamo Grace raced sixth place, on the rails, was shuffled back on straightening, got a late split at the 100m and then finished well for second, looking most unlucky.
Savvan raced behind the leader (Red Velvet Swing), took the lead on turning for home and then battled on quite well for third.
Moqueen was eighth, one off the rails, got between runners at the home turn, briefly looked a threat at the 200m before fighting on for (2.2 lengths) fourth.
The favourite Sebring Dream raced towards to tail of the 14-horse field, went widest of all at the home turn and did well making ground, in the sprint home, to finish (2.3 lengths) fifth, being disadvantaged by a moderate early pace.
