Ruthless Dame has maintained an unbeaten record with a strong win in the TBV Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained filly was successful over 1300m at Sandown last month which helped her at the end of the 1200m in Group 3 company on Saturday.
It was the daughter of Tavistock’s strength in the final stages that won out in the final stages after it looked as though Nangui had her measure.
Under the guidance of Jamie Kah, Ruthless Dame scored by a neck from the Nangui with Mumbai Jewel a short-neck away third.
Eustace said the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) had been considered, but the stable felt the 1200m against fillies was a better option.
“All our data suggested there was some pretty sharp two-year-olds and that gave us the encouragement to go, especially over the 1200 metres here down the straight,” Eustace said.
“She was very strong late. She travelled really nicely and got a beautiful tow into the race.
“She showed plenty of tenacity when Nanagui came to her girth and she picked up late.
“She’s a smart filly.”
Eustace said Ruthless Dame is likely to get the opportunity of tackling 1400m at her next start in the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick on April 2.
“I spoke to Ciaron and the Sires’ is an obvious target out to 1400 metres in three weeks or stay at 1200 for the Percy Sykes.”
Kah said having won over 1300m on debut had proved beneficial in Ruthless Dame’s success.
“She’s going to get over a bit of ground which was really good late because she was probably headed at one stage and she just dug in deep,” Kah said.
“She’s got a big heart and a big future as well.”
