The Group One Tattersall’s Tiara remains the target for Victorian mare Splash Back following her impressive performance where she outshone numerous prominent sprinters to secure the Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm.
Splash Back, who took out the Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley during the spring, was sent off at $8.50 and had placed midfield behind Victory Stakes opponent In Flight in the Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in her most recent outing, yet she powered through the heavy surface conditions on Saturday.
Sticking close to the rail under Michael Rodd, the six-year-old trained by Grahame Begg surged along the inside late to collar Payline ($18), while Warnie ($6.50) filled third spot, with Group 1 victors Transatlantic (fourth), Lady Of Camelot (fifth) and Private Harry (eighth) trailing behind her.
Rodd admitted he lacked confidence when Splash Back lingered towards the rear on the home turn, and he was astonished by the clear run that emerged through the pack.
“They went along at a decent clip, and I was out the back and wasn’t going anywhere straightening up,” Rodd said.
“I was struggling a bit and thought, I’m staying on the inside.”
“I couldn’t believe it was opening up in front of my eyes, and she will be even better when she gets out over a little bit further.”
Grahame Begg was absent from Eagle Farm, but stable rep Jack Lake commended Rodd’s decision to hold for the inside path.
“Just to get up on the rail and save ground was crucial,” Lake said.
“She is spot-on for the Tatt’s Tiara.”
“She has beaten some good horses today and we always thought she was up to that class.”
Earlier that day, Brave Monarch, prepared by Chris and Corey Munce, prevailed in the Queensland Guineas (1600m), positioning himself as a contender for the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).
The three-year-old is set to appear next in the Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 30, and a victory there could elevate the Stradbroke to a feasible option according to Chris Munce.
“There is still a long way to go,” Munce said.
“His rating probably doesn’t get him there, and he will probably have to go around in the Fred Best and win to get in the Stradbroke. But it’s a possibility.”
Brave Monarch has now notched five victories from seven outings, with the Guineas success marking his second at black-type level following his capture of the Listed Daybreak Lover (1400m) last time out.
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