Flemington stakes falls to Thanks Gorgeous in photo finish
Consistent performer Thanks Gorgeous sealed a thrilling last-gasp success in a Flemington stakes contest.
Mark and Levi Kavanagh's filly secured the Listed VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) on Saturday, bringing her tally to three victories this preparation.
Craig Williams pushed Thanks Gorgeous ($19) forward in the dying strides to pip Tycoon Star ($9.50) on the line by a nose, with Bacash ($31) just a short-head adrift in third.
Prior to this, the filly boasted promising runs in her debut campaign, highlighted by a Group placing at Caulfield in August, before claiming her maiden win at Mornington on New Year's Day.
Subsequently, Thanks Gorgeous triumphed over 1100m along Flemington's straight, registered a placing at the same track and distance, and dominated once more on Saturday.
According to Levi Kavanagh, the filly has been a star for the stable, competing creditably against top fields including My Gladiola, the $2.30 market elect who ran fourth.
"We thought she was a specialist at the Caulfield track early on, but she was running at 1200 metres and not quite getting there," Kavanagh said.
"Since we've been running her down the straight, she has been exceptional.
"The 1100 metres is the key, she got through the ground well and it was a great ride from Craig. I would have liked him to get there a little bit earlier to keep my heart a little less pounding, but she was in front where she needed to be and that was fantastic."
Kavanagh indicated that Thanks Gorgeous managed the heavy surface adequately on Saturday, but others possibly adapted better.
Decisions loom on resting Thanks Gorgeous or pressing on with her campaign started last October.
"We have looked at going to Adelaide, but she has been to be up for a long time," Kavanagh said.
"She's a horse that does not like to spell down at the farm and loves being in work. She's always happy at the stables, so we'll see how she pulls up."
Visit the online bookmakers to find the best betting sites for races featuring talents like Thanks Gorgeous in the VRC Sprint Classic style.
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