Inkaruna adds value in 2025 Thoroughbred Club Stakes win

Inkaruna delivered a breakthrough moment for connections at Caulfield, with Craig Williams producing a polished display to win the upgraded million-dollar Thoroughbred Club Stakes.

The Group 3 sprint, traditionally an October fixture, was elevated in prizemoney and repositioned to November, creating a fresh spring highlight for three-year-old fillies.

Under the guidance of trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman, Inkaruna ($5) travelled smoothly throughout before pulling clear to beat Kujenga ($41) by 1½ lengths, with favourite My Gladiola ($1.90) unable to finish off and settling for third.

Williams said her professionalism gave him complete control from the outset.

“She stood well in the gates, got a nice start, was able to control where I wanted to,” Williams said.

“She was a little bit on the bridle and had a nice smooth run (and) the blinkers have worked really well.

“I had the right horse to win a million-dollar race here.”

The win followed her strong performance behind Point Barrow at Flemington, which signalled she was trending the right way.

Williams added that race tactics were clear heading into the event.

“The grey My Gladiola, the top weight was the horse we all had to beat – she’s a superstar but we had to just go out there and ride our own race,” he said.

“I spoke to Sam this morning at depth about what we want to do with her.

“The first part was get her out nice and clean.

“We got into a nice rhythm, had the right horse to follow into the race, and then she was a really good and strong late.”

My Gladiola’s jockey Jamie Mott later suggested the filly may be feeling the end of a long spring, noting she lacked her usual late strength.

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