Improving filly Nocturnelle overcame a slow start to claim the City Tattersalls Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.
The Chris Waller-trained three-year-old was slow to begin from gate three in the 1400m fillies event and was last with 400 metres to run before storming home to win by three-quarters of a length from Mabsam ($6).
The Gary Portelli-trained Heels ($9) held on for third, another half-neck away, after leading.
Nocturnelle was sent out $2.35 favourite and her victory takes her record to an impressive two wins from just three starts.
Waller’s racing manager, Liam Prior, said he was pleased with her performance given the lack of speed in the race.
“She was obviously a bit slow out of the machines, but she relaxed nicely today,” Prior said.
“She was probably caught in a little bit of an awkward spot heading for home but Jimmy (Cassidy) found the shortest way home and got the cash which was good.”
Prior would not be drawn on the stable’s plans for the filly in the absence of the trainer.
“Chris will wait until he gets home (from Melbourne) through the week to see how she pulls up first,” Prior said.
“She’s done more than enough this preparation, so Chris may want to turn her out and bring her back for the autumn.”
In-form Cassidy said Nocturnelle had worked home well.
“She’s a nice filly, I put her to sleep down the back and only worked home the last 400 metres,” he said.
“It didn’t worry me being back where she was, about five or six (lengths) off them and relaxed, and only really came home the last 400, so it was a good effort.”
The second favourite Eyes On Guard ($3.60) missed a place, with jockey Hugh Bowman believing she would be better suited to 1200 metres.
AAP TURF
