Surprise Let’s Elope Stakes winner Pretty Brazen will step up to Group 1 company next week in the Group 1 $500,000 Ned Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Pretty Brazen, above in gold cap, was the winner of the Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

The Tony and Calvin McEvoy trained Pretty Brazen was sent out as a $20 chance for the Group 2 $200,000 Furphy Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington today, but proved too strong for the more fancied runners.

Pretty Brazen powered to the line from back in the field to record a neck win of the quality Perth mare Arcadia Queen ($3.80) who showed signs of her best form.

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trained Bonvicini ($21) ran home for third while the $2.70 favourite Savatiano faded to finish eighth after setting the pace.

Co-trained Calvin McEvoy said that he was now keen to test Pretty Brazen in the top company and will back her up next week in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

“She was fantastic. Really tough there,” Calvin McEvoy said.

“She has been training on really well since her first up run. Her first run was probably a pass mark, but we expected maybe a little bit more but once she got to the 1400m, that is where we see the best of her.”

“We will consider backing her up in the Rupert Clarke next week, depending on how she comes through.”

“The ground was quite firm out there today.”

Pretty Brazen has been marked at $15 at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.