Pure Scot has capitalised on a box-seat run to land her first Flemington win at her fifth attempt.
Having her eighth start of this preparation which had already netted wins at Ballarat and Sandown, the Lindsay Park-trained mare took her career earnings past $400,000 with her victory in Saturday’s DeRucci Trophy (1600m).
Pure Scot had raced four times at Flemington in her 20 previous starts, including a fourth placing in the Group Two Edward Manifold Stakes as a spring three-year-old, without success.
“She’s been unlucky a couple of times so I didn’t think it was Flemington,” co-trainer David Hayes said.
“She’s normally a good closer in her races so Flemington should suit her, and now we can say it does.
“I think that was probably her best run for the preparation and she’s a mare that’s won over $400,000 now so she’s been a terrific mare for the connections.”
After settling in the box seat under Craig Williams, Pure Scot peeled into the clear on the outside of the two leaders in the home straight before hitting the front inside the final 200m.
Pure Scot ($12) defeated Hussy’s Glow ($26) by 1-1/4-lengths with another half length to Jester Halo ($12) third.
