A well-judged front-running ride from Craig Williams has helped Sydney filly Thump to a convincing victory over Miracles Of Life at Moonee Valley.
Williams controlled the speed on Thump ($6) in Friday night’s Group Three Champagne Stakes (1200m) and the filly kicked strongly around the bend, racing clear to defeat Blue Diamond Stakes winner Miracles Of Life ($2.45 fav) by 2-1/4 lengths.
Thump winning the Gallagher Bassett/ TBV Champagne Stakes at Moonee Valley - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Miracles Of Life, who suffered her first defeat last start in the McNeil Stakes, settled midfield and was forced to come four-wide around the turn before setting out after the leader.
I Love It ($9.50) was another three-quarters of a length away third.
Trainer John Thompson is considering the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) for Thump later this campaign, a race he won with Nechita last year.
Thump won the Group Two Silver Shadow Stakes first-up and finished a close third in the Furious Stakes in which star filly Guelph was second.
“Craig summed it up, stacked them up and pinched a break around the corner which was perfect for her,” Thompson said.
“We were confident coming here that this track would suit her the way she races.”
He said the filly was starting to come of age now she was able to put herself on speed.
Miracles Of Life lost few admirers and will press on to the Blue Sapphire (1200m) next.
“I was rapt with her,” jockey Lauren Stojakovic said.
“She was a lot happier today than first-up, obviously she just needed that first-up run.
“She settled today and ran on nicely but that horse kicked on the turn. I thought she ran on nicely.”
