Lady Of Harrods produced a barnstorming sprint to squeeze out hot favourite Commanding Jewel in Saturday’s Group Three Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield.
Jockey Steve Arnold whittled back a handy lead in the home straight to edge past the unbeaten three-quarter sister to Atlantic Jewel and snatch a half head win in the 1400m event.
Lady Of Harrods winning the Schweppes Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Molto Bene, a Group Three winner in Adelaide, was another long neck away third with Craig Williams aboard.
Commanding Jewel, ridden by Damien Oliver, started a $3.20 favourite and led until the closing stages when Arnold pushed Lady Of Harrods past.
It was the filly’s second straight win after her victory second-up in the Group Three McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield three weeks ago.
Trainer Russell Cameron said Lady Of Harrods, who started a $10 chance, was in better shape this time out.
“She was much fitter today,” Cameron said.
“We’ve been trying to teach her to settle a bit and in hindsight, we really wanted her to lead but there was too much pace so we just sat back.”
Cameron said he would now prepare the three-year-old for the Group Two Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on October 6.
“We’ll go to the Edward Manifold and see what happens and press on,” he said.
Arnold said Lady Of Harrods had been forced to play catch-up after a less than perfect start.
“I didn’t step really cleanly,” Arnold said.
“I thought I might lead but Ollie (Damien Oliver) came across pretty quick and then she took just a furlong to come back and then came back really nicely.”
Arnold said there was a “little query” over Lady Of Harrods going into the Manifold but it was the next logical step for the filly.
“If she gets that same gait and same good run there’s no reason she couldn’t hit the mile,” he said.
