Lady Catalina clinches Red Roses Stakes in thrilling finish
Lady Catalina has finally delivered a Stakes race victory on Oaks Day at Flemington.
The three-year-old progeny of Written Tycoon, whose dam is Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Away Game, had presented a challenge for trainer Ciaron Maher but showcased her potential with a win in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1100m) held at Flemington on Thursday.
Having debuted with a win at Newcastle earlier in the year, Lady Catalina had been unable to secure another victory in her subsequent seven starts when competing at Stakes level.
Her most recent performance saw Lady Catalina compete in benchmark 70 grade at Cranbourne, where she was defeated despite being a strong favourite.
A jockey substitution by Maher saw Blake Shinn partner Lady Catalina ($20), who managed to fend off a determined challenge from the $1.90 favourite Sequinned by the narrowest of margins, a nose, with Semantics ($8) securing third place.
Lady Catalina was one of two contenders from the Maher stable; however, Calamari Ring was withdrawn from the race at the barrier.
"That's racing, isn't it," Maher remarked.
"We had Calamari Ring pulled out, didn't get her opportunity, and obviously the horse's health is first and foremost, and then we win the race with a $16 shot.
"How good?"
Maher confessed to believing the favourite had indeed passed his mare close to the finish line.
"This horse races in John Stewart's colours, Resolute Racing, and we paid a pretty penny for her at the Magic Millions sale, $1.8 million," Maher disclosed.
"She's out of a great mare that we trained, Away Game, so she's justified her price now, and she had a beautiful ride by Blake."
Shinn conveyed that Maher's instructions were simple: permit Lady Catalina to maintain her own tempo.
"She was probably the first out, and I was just able to get her into that nice rhythm, and she was able to just absorb pressure and then build off that," Shinn stated.
"I was able to keep probably a length up my sleeve when the other horses challenged me and then she was able to find and just save a little bit for the end.
"She's a beautiful filly, really just got a great demeanor about her."
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