After racing against some multiple stakes performers in Queensland, Karavali has returned to Randwick to score a narrow win but satisfying win.
The Kris Lees-trained mare ran last earlier this month in the Group Two weight-for-age PJ O’Shea Stakes (2200m) at the Sunshine Coast won by dual Group One winner Egg Tart.
The winner of the Group Three Aspiration Quality at Randwick on March, Karavali dropped to the 53kg minimum in Saturday’s 1600m-open handicap but was still a $6 chance with Special Missile the dominant $2.15 favourite.
Special Missile led but had little answer when the chasers came with Karavali edging Dark Eyes ($8.50) by a nose with the favourite another half length back.
“She is a Group Three winner here over the distance so you would expect her to be right in it,” jockey Jay Ford said.
“It was a sedate pace early but when I levelled up to Dark Eyes I thought I had it but that horse did rally.
“But her class shone through.”
After horses fanned wide in the first race, order was restored when Tim Clark rode Two ‘N’ Wellgo ($5.50) to win the Highway Handicap (1200m).
“The horses in the first race got pushed wide,” Clark said.
“That had more to do with it than the track.”
Scone trainer Stephen Jones said he would now look at options for Two ‘N’ Wellgo.
“He has raced his way out of Highway races but I have no doubt he is up to city class so we will take a good look at the races coming upl” he said.
