The odds-on favourite Nature Strip finished unplaced, while the three-year-old Written Tycoon filly Coolangatta claimed a second Group 1, which was the wash-up from a thrilling $1,000,000 Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Ridden by Jamie Kah for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Coolangatta repelled the fast-finishing Savabeel 4yo I Wish I Win by a long-neck with the winner's ever-reliable stablemate Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai), a short-half-head back in third.
James McDonald took up the running on Nature Strip, who never looked overly comfortable and weakened to finish sixth.
The Group 1 Moir Stakes winner at Moonee Valley in September, Coolangatta advances her record to five wins and two thirds from eight starts with earnings of $3,075,000.
"Unbelievable, she was so impressive," Eustice said.
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"We were really confident she'd improved. Physically she's bigger and stronger. She's heavier, and we thought she'd improved from the spring to now and from two to three.
"With that in mind, this had been the race targeted for a long while now. It's just fantastic to get another winner for Ozzie (Kheir) and John (O'Neill).
"Ozzie is on the sofa - that is where we like him. They tend to win when he's on the couch and John is leading them in. They don't tend to win when he's here on course.
"They’re a great group and it’s a great thrill.
“A really well judged and timed ride from Jamie. She let her travel deep into the race and didn’t push the button too soon, and she was pretty convincing.”
“From here, the dream would be Royal Ascot for everyone involved. She’s shown she likes the straight and I think everyone in the group would be keen to go there.
“Where she goes next, I’m not sure, but ultimately we’d love to give that a crack.”
Raced by a partnership that includes John O'Neill, Ozzie Kheir, Brae Sokolski, and Matthew Becker’s Group 1 Bloodstock, Coolangatta was a $280,000 purchase for Ciaron Maher Bloodstock from the Milburn Creek draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Bred by Highclere Stud Australia, Coolangatta is a half-sister to the talented Snitzel gelding Snitzonfire. They are the first two foals of the Sydney-winning More Than Ready (USA) mare Piping Hot.
Kennewell Racing / Group 1 Bloodstock (FBAA) / Trilogy Racing shelled out $300,000 for Piping Hot’s Dundeel filly from the Milburn Creek draft at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. She has been named Paradise Point.
Piping Hot foaled a sister to Coolangatta on August 18 and was covered by I Am Invincible.
