Eleonora keeps it in the family with Ethereal Stakes win
THE Kiwi connection and a gun ride from Damien Oliver was good enough for Eleonora to take out the Group 3 New Zealand Bloodstock Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
The filly by Makfi is the granddaughter of Ethereal and it supplied co-trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman another big win after winning this time last year with Mongolian Khan in the Caulfield Cup.
Murray Baker wasn’t on track this year, but co-trainer Andrews Forsman was able to enjoy the spoils of the three-year-old which is heading to the Oaks.
“That’s why we brought her here to pick up enough money for the race,” Forsman said. “It’s a pretty special moment.”
Eleonora ($5.90 at Sportsbet) had no luck last start behind Serenely Discreet in the Edward Manifold, but Damien Oliver gave the filly a treat of a ride and it did the rest.
“It just panned out a treat. She got a dream run through and all the bad luck she got last time, she made up for it today,” Forsman added.
Oliver settled the three-year-old just behind the pace before working into the clear at the top of the straight. Race favourite Sebring Dream settled near last and was forced to run wide, but by the time it got going, Oliver had pinched the winning break.
“She’s a grandam of Ethereal, very ironic that she wins the Ethereal,” Oliver said. “She looks great going towards the Oaks.
“It’s a big advantage if you can get some cover going down the side.”
Tiamo Grace flashed home late for second which suggested the Oaks distance will be right up its alley. Favourite Sebring Dream didn’t have much luck during the run and did well to finish close up.
Tiamo Grace and Eleonora have both shortened to $7 at CrownBet for the Oaks where Yankee Rose currently holds favouritism.