The Brad Widdup-trained Sunset Park scored at double-figure odds ($17) in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes at Flemington, with jockey Jamie Melham adopting positive, front-running tactics that stretched the field and proved decisive.
Despite the long straight and testing conditions, Sunset Park was never seriously threatened, maintaining a strong gallop throughout to hold her rivals safely at bay.
The Irish-bred daughter of Sea The Stars had finished an eye-catching third behind She’s A Hustler in the Group 3 Tesio Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25, but this time she was able to turn the tables emphatically.
She’s A Hustler, the $2.70 favourite, chased hard in the home straight but had to settle for second, beaten 1.25 lengths. The 2.75 length turnaround from their last meeting came with Sunset Park enjoying a 2kg weight advantage this time.
“I wanted to be positive on her, but happy to hand up if there was too much pressure,” Melham said.
“But she just jumped so well. At the 800m, without getting too excited, I thought—I think I’m home here.
“She was just travelling. I barely had to let her off the bridle until the 300m. She was very, very good.”
Trainer Brad Widdup was delighted with the result.
“She came down for the race at Moonee Valley and was a bit stiff there, so we kept her here for this,” Widdup said.
“She’s very fit. She’s had a fair bit of racing. And I think her pedigree really came into play today.”
Sunset Park is now a four-time winner from just eleven starts and continues to build a strong profile heading into the autumn.
