Adelaide mare Pretty Punk has likely earned herself a crack at the upcoming Tasmanian Cups with a victory at Flemington.
Leon Macdonald, who trains in partnership with Andrew Gluyas, decided to test the waters with the last-start Morphettville winner in Saturday’s Piping Lane Handicap (2000m) and the four-year-old didn’t let him down.
Macdonald said next month’s Group Three Hobart Cup (2400m) and Group Three Launceston Cup (2400m) were targets.
“We’ll see how she pulls up,” Macdonald said.
“She had to measure up here today but she did that in fine style I reckon. So she’ll probably head that way.”
Pretty Punk was making her first Melbourne appearance since the 2016 spring carnival when she finished fifth in the Wakeful Stakes.
Ridden by Craig Williams, Pretty Punk ($3.70) settled second behind Articus ($4.40) in the field of six before wearing down the leader in the straight to win by a length.
Golden Mane ($6) was another short half-head away third.
Pretty Punk is a daughter of the stallion Rebel Raider who Macdonald trained to win the 2008 Victoria Derby at Flemington.
“It is pleasing to win races with the Rebels,” Macdonald said.
“He’s going pretty well and this little mare stays well.
“She was very strong at the finish today and that was very pleasing.”
