Just as punters felt Sheza Alibi’s victory in the Makybe Diva Stakes had restored order following Oliveanotherday’s defeat in the Bobbie Lewis Quality, Pondalowie delivered the day’s biggest surprise in the Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m).

The Deep Field six-year-old, prepared by David and Emma-Lee Browne at Pakenham, secured her maiden Group 2 triumph when she surged past her rivals in the 1400m event, starting at odds of $51.

This marked her fourth win from 22 starts, a career often hampered by misfortune. However, winning jockey Lachlan Neindorf mentioned that this time, he nearly had to actively seek out trouble.

“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 revealed. “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 triumphed by a short-half-head over another outsider, Too Darn Discreet ($21). On Display ($6), who had been declared the winner when clear at the 150m mark, finished a half-back third. The $2.10 favourite, Gold Coast Belle, ended up a disappointing seventh in the race.

Looking for the best Australian betting sites to back your next winner? Explore our comprehensive list of online bookmakers and discover top racing odds available today. Visit us to find the best Australian betting sites.