The Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr) trained Odeum proved to be the best filly on the day with a dominant win in the Group 1 $1m Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield today.

Hungry Heart, above in green colours, was the beaten favourite in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield. Photo by Steve Hart.

Hungry Heart, above in green colours, was the beaten favourite in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield. Photo by Steve Hart.

A top class ride from Michael Walker had Odeum ($9) in the box seat from the early stages of the race and the Written Tycoon filly proved too strong for her opposition, careering away in the finish to record a 1.75 lengths victory.

The Lindsay Park trained Personal ($16) ran home from back in the field for Damien Oliver to claim the runner’s up cheque while Instant Celebrity ($4.20) had to overcome a tough run to finish third.

The Chris Waller trained Hungry Heart was sent out as the $2.60 favourite but was never in the hunt and faded in the run to the line to finish in seventh spot, 5.3 lengths from the winner.

Odeum put the writing on the wall last start with a win in the Listed $140,000 Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m) at Flemington three weeks ago and the Caulfield Team was confident going into the Thousand Guineas.

“She is a filly that has just bloomed this whole preparation,” Mick Price said.

“I know when Walker rode her behind Night Raid in the Atlantic Jewel, he said she should have finished a lot closer.”

“I have had to nurse Night Raid and this filly has just bloomed and bloomed. I haven’t over worked her I thought she looked fantastic in the mounting yard.”

“I am very pleased for Michael Walker.”

“And a big congratulations for Sheamus Mills (owner).”

“It is great now that he has lobbed on a Group 1 filly.’

Piece also gave a wrap for Michael Walker for his dedication and hard work.

“Every Tuesday he is there and every Saturday he is there. He is in the zone, he has had a little baby, good partner, so he has a good family back ground at the moment.”

“He is in that nice settled zone where he can concentrate and do what he does best, and that is ride.”

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.