Faraway Town is closing in on the Guy Walter Stakes after securing her long-awaited first black-type win at Randwick.
The four-year-old mare withstood a withering burst by Zestful ($10) to claim the Group Three Triscay Stakes (1200m) by half a head and vindicate Matthew Smith’s modified training regime.
Smith opted to freshen Faraway Town ($8) once she won a Benchmark 85 Handicap at Randwick on January 20, a change of strategy after she routinely raced with a fortnight between starts,
“We’ve completed changed her work, we’ve kept her work short and sharp and just kept her fresh,” Smith said.
“When she ran so well first-up it gave me a bit of confidence that what we were doing was right.
“She’s just come back a different horse, she’s happy and now we can head off the Guy Walter.”
Smith reverts to a two-week back-up for the Group Two Guy Walter Stakes at Randwick on March 3.
“I think the 1400 will be a perfect progression for her,” he said.
Clark, who earlier saluted on Santos and Quick Defence in the Pierro Plate and Derucci Handicap, was rapt with her effort.
“She’s definitely come back a much better mare. She’s going terrific.
“Matty’s doing a great job with her. He’s place her well and she’s reacted well fresh.”
Godolphin’s $5 favourite Raiment was third, 1-1/2 lengths further back.
