The Group II MRC Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday had not been won by a filly since 1991 when Triscay beat the colts, but this year it was a fillies renewal with Fastnet Rock up and comer Parure beating talented Savabeel filly Butter Chicken.
The Lindsay Park training team have already won the Group I VRC Oaks this season with Fastnet Rock filly Personal and now they have another filly by the same sire with autumn Oaks aspirations.
Allowed to progress quietly through the lesser grades, Parure won her last start easily at Sandown over 1600m and relished the step out to 1800m for this tougher assignment against colts and geldings.
Well ridden by Damian Lane, she travelled comfortably back in the field and surged into contention rounding the turn to hit the front with a furlong to run.
Challenged late by Butter Chicken she stuck to her guns to win by a long neck taking her overall record to three wins from seven starts with prizemoney topping $172,000.
“It was a ten out of ten ride for Damian Lane, he presented her at the top of the straight and she was strong to the line,” said co-trainer Ben Hayes.
“I don’t think 2000m will be an issue for her so maybe a race like the Vinery (G1 in Sydney over 2000m) and even the Oaks will be an option.
“She’s bred to get out to 2000m and probably a bit further.”
Parure was a $155,000 Inglis Premier purchase for James Bester Bloodstock from the Morning Rise Stud draft and runs for Coolmore and partners.
She is the second winner from Group II winning Turffontein mare Fontein Ruby, a half-sister to Group I winner The Mitigator from the family of dual Cox Plate winner Fields of Omagh.
Fontein Ruby produced a filly by Triple Crown hero Justify (USA) last spring and is in foal to I Am Invincible.
Parure is the 168th stakes-winner worldwide for champion sire Fastnet Rock.
