Suavito has returned from injury to upstage a star-studded field in the CF Orr Stakes, providing jockey Luke Currie with his first Group One win in more than a decade.
The Nigel Blackiston-trained mare missed the spring after having a bone chip removed from a knee but her return was worth the wait as she raced to a second Group One triumph at Caulfield on Saturday.
Suavito
Suavito ($15) enjoyed a nice run from the inside barrier and emerged early in the straight to make her challenge.
She reeled in leader Turn Me Loose passing the 100m and held off Lucky Hussler ($4.40) who stormed home.
Lucky Hussler was denied by three-quarters of a length with Hucklebuck ($15) making his run down the outside before finishing another long neck away third.
An emotional Currie, 34, said the feeling of winning his second Group One after Roman Arch’s 2003 Toorak Handicap success was hard to describe.
“It’s been a long time between drinks. It means a lot,” Currie said.
“It’s been harder to win the second one than the first one, I know that. I’m married now, it will mean a lot to my wife and family.
“It was just one of the best feelings. It was a better than my first one.”
Currie picked up the ride after Damien Oliver committed to riding Amralah but that horse was later ruled out for the autumn.
Suavito won the Group One Futurity Stakes over the course and distance first-up last February and Blackiston was confident the mare had returned bigger and stronger for her first start since April.
“She took a needle-eye gap at the top of the straight and she’s so tough this mare,” Blackiston said.
“Her two trials had been excellent so she’s in for a good campaign, hopefully.”
Glen Boss lamented Lucky Hussler’s close second.
“With a bit more luck he should have won,” Boss said.
Hucklebuck’s rider Dom Tourneur said the gelding loomed but then peaked on his run and would be ready next time in the Futurity.
Turn Me Loose’s jockey Opie Bosson said the favourite over-raced in the middle stages and will improve from his fourth placing.
