Griante Takes Out Sprint Series Final

Classy sprinter Griante has capped an exceptional day of racing at Caulfield this afternoon; displaying a keen turn of foot to win the Group 3 Sprint Series Final (1200m) by a comfortable length.

Griante wins the Group 3 Sprint Series Final from Girl Guide

Griante wins the Group 3 Sprint Series Final from Girl Guide. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia

Jumping from the gates well, the Good Journey mare settled in prime position on the heels of early leaders Brilliant Bisc, Danestroem and Girl Guide who set a noticeably quick tempo over the back straight and rounding the bend.

Finding the final straight with a clear racing line, Griante quickly spooled up and charged towards the Spring Series Final’s leaders, poking clear with 200m to run and sustaining a strong enough run to hold off a late charge from Girl Guide; Shamal Wind running on for third.

Jockey Dwayne Dunn delivered an exceptional ride on Griante for victory in the 2014 Sprint Series Final and was thrilled to deliver trainer David Feek and David Brideoake a Stakes victory.

“She’s pretty tough; she’s done a lot of things in her life and the other day I just rose her back just to try to add another string to her bow,” Dunn said following the race.

“She really wrestled me for the first half of the race but she gave me a really nice punt when we need it.

“David Feek and David Brideoake have been doing a great job with her.

“She’s got wind problems, she’s got a few other issues that’s why she wants to hang up, but that’s something we need to deal with and more than happy to win a race like that today.”

Co-trainer David Brideoake was pleased with Griante’s performance in the 2014 Spring Series Final and outlined the Group 3 Maybe Mahal Stakes (1400m) on Melbourne Cup Day as a likely target.

“She was lovely – she’s got a very quick sprint for 250 and he used her today and we were a little closer than last time,” Brideoake said after the race.

“It’s great; she’s a home-bred so it all goes well. She’s pretty versatile – we hope to be getting out to a little further towards the end of the Carnival.

“We probably go to Geelong, there’s a mares race there and then we’ll run her on Cup day over 1400m.”

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.