The day showcased the very best horses racing in Australia with the running of the Group I Victorian Derby, Coolmore Stud Stakes (registered name; Ascot Vale), Myer Classic (registered name: Empire Rose) and the Mackinnon Stakes.
Also on the card was the Group 2 Longines Wakeful Stakes (2000m) - the event is the main form pointer to the VRC Group I Oaks to be held on Thursday (November 5th) - and it was taken out by Shamardal’s Faint Perfume.
Faint Perfume is trained by Bart Cummings and her second career win gave him his 13th success in the Group 2 event, and her performance was so outstanding it ensured she enters the Group I contest in five days’ time a short priced favourite.
Ridden by Michael Rodd, the bay filly settled towards the rear of the field as Mont Fleuri took them along at a strong tempo and led into the straight.  Jolie Brise, Melito and Faint Perfume were all making ground.

Rodd had Faint Perfume under a hold and when he asked her to quicken the result was put beyond doubt.  She had too much class for her rivals and won by a widening three-lengths.
Bred by Wynyarra Stud, Faint Perfume is out of the Zabeel mare Zona, herself a daughter of Danendri (by Danehill), who won the Wakeful Stakes herself, before later winning the G1 AJC Oaks.
Shamardal (Giant’s Causeway - Helsinki by Machiavellian) has started the 2009-10 Australian season in red hot fashion, but unfortunately for breeders he has been rested from covering duties for the remainder of the season following an injury to his wither, which he suffered in a paddock accident.

Tags: Darley, VRC
Permalink| Nov 1, 2009

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