Autumn Angel just holds on to claim Group 2 Kewney Stakes
After a luckless run last start, Autumn Angel (+360) has taken out the Group 2 Kewney Stakes at Flemington, thanks to smart ride by Mark Zahra.
The Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained filly settled midfield and received a good smother before she began to make her run under a vigorous ride from Zahra, as she hit the front with 250m to go.
After putting the stablemate Mollynickers (+290) in a pocket upon straightening, the daughter of The Autumn Sun lengthened nicely and appeared to have the race within her keeping at 200m mark, but the swoopers were coming.
Along with the stablemate, Basalinna (+2200) started to challenge the leader but the strength of Zahra in the final 50m helped the filly hold on and claim a valuable win over a distance that is slightly short of her best.
On a personal note for Zahra, he has claimed the last two editions of the Kewney Stakes, after partnering Revolutionary Miss to victory in the race 12 months ago.
2024 Kewney Stakes Replay – Autumn Angel
Katherine Coleman represented the winning stable and spoke about the victory after the race.
“I’m shaking. That was amazing. She’s a really special filly,” Coleman said of the winner.
“We’ve had a big opinion of her. Last start didn’t go to plan at all but to come through and to run like that, she’s really something special.
“She’s a very tough girl. She gives us a bit of a hard time at home every now and again but when they’re tough like that on race day you don’t mind it.
“It was a fantastic ride from Mark Zahra. He produced her at the right time. She was able to build momentum and roll into it. There are good things in store for this girl.
“There’s plenty of options for her at this this time of year. An Australasian Oaks, you wouldn’t go past that. Then in Sydney as well.”
Mark Zahra was very pleased with the win, and he spoke post-race.
“It is too hot to be riding horses today,” Zahra said of the conditions.
“She hit the front, she’s a 2000-metre horse, and I felt when she got to the front she was hitting a flat spot.
“I just needed (the whip in) the left quickly and when I pulled it through the rein I was riding it out and shit was going everywhere.
“Eventually my whip went and I was able to keep the momentum going.
“She was strong to the line and it was a good win.
“When I got to the front, I got there, and she wasn’t quickening really good. Even going to the gates I thought she’s a 2000-metre horse.
“The Vinery should be no problem. She’s got a lot more upside.”
Autumn Angel is +1400 chance in futures markets for the Vinery Stud Stakes with online bookmakers.