Pondalowie claims Let's Elope Stakes in a major upset

After Sheza Alibi's win in the Makybe Diva Stakes seemed to get things back on track following Oliveanotherday's loss in the Bobbie Lewis Quality, Pondalowie then produced the day's significant upset in the Let's Elope Stakes (1400m).

Trained by David and Emma-Lee Browne at Pakenham, the Deep Field six-year-old achieved her first Group 2 success when she powered over the field in the 1400m race as a $51 outsider.

It was the fourth win in a 22-race career frequently marred by poor fortune. Winning jockey Lachlan Neindorf commented that this occasion was different, as he nearly had to seek out interference.

"I spoke to my form man – he's a genius and massive shout out to him, James. Jordan – and he said, 'I'm so convinced with this horse you need to ride it almost for bad luck'," Neindorf stated. "I found a lot of bad luck. She was in what seemed like an unwinnable position at the 200, but that's when she really lets and she let rip today and she got over top."

Pondalowie secured victory by a short-half-head from Too Darn Discreet ($21), another outsider. On Display ($6), who was thought to have the race won when clear at the 150m mark, was a half-back third. The heavily backed favourite, Gold Coast Belle ($2.10), finished a distant seventh.

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