In-form filly Miss Steele has produced a near-perfect run rounding the final bend to claim the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) at South Australia’s Morphettville Racecourse this afternoon ahead of Octavia and Girl Guide.
Miss Steele claims victory in the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes at Morphettville. Photo by Jenny Barnes
Jumping from the gates less-than fairly, the Statue Of Liberty filly settled near the rear of the pack, allowing early pace setters Classy Chloe, Octavia and Jolie Blonde to set a reasonable tempo over the back straight and approaching the bend.
Appearing out of contention when holding the rails rounding onto the final straight, Miss Steele immediately made up the difference and found the lead, as all other contenders chose to fan wide.
Maintaining a strong sprint, Miss Steele impressively crossed the line a length in the clear, securing a second-consecutive victory after winning the Epworth Medical Imaging Maiden (1000m) in similar circumstances on March 29th.
Claiming a total of four wins and 1 place from only competitive starts to date, Miss Steele is a possible contender for events over the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival including the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) on May 31st.
Overcoming two disappointing results in her most recent appearances, Octavia received the market share of support from punters in the final moments leading up to the 2014 Proud Miss Stakes, and was unlucky not to catch Miss Steele on the line.
The winner of five races and placing in a further five over a total 17 starts to date, further plans are yet to be set for the Holy Roman Emperor mare.
Ending an impressive run of three consecutive victories in finishing third in the 2014 Proud Miss Stakes, trainer David Hayes was satisfied in the performance of his sole entrant Girl Guide; in what was her maiden appearance in a Group level race.
