Felines has produced an impressive performance to claim the biggest win of her career in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Royal Randwick this afternoon.
Felines produced a smart turn of foot to win the Group 3 Concorde Stakes at Royal Randwick this afternoon. Photo: Steve Hart
Felines was all but abandoned in Concorde Stakes betting markets in the hours leading up to jump, but the five-year-old did her chances of success no harm whatsoever when jumping well and taking a position within the small field, as Queensland raider Hidden Pearl set a reasonable early tempo.
Rounding onto the final straight with plenty to do, the Conatus mare immediately responded when asked for an extra effort by jockey Jason Collett; producing a big turn of foot and maintaining a strong-enough sprint to beat a fast-finishing Federal to the line.
Trainer Kris Lees was pleased with Felines’ performance for success in the Concorde Stakes, citing a recent freshen-up as decisive in the victory.
“Early in the preparation I just thought she was starting to lose her way, so we just gave her a freshen-up and got her back here to the 1000,” Lees said after the race.
“It’s switched her straight back on. Down in the weights amongst the better company here today and she was terrific.
“I thought she had them beaten but hallway up the straight she was vulnerable.
“She rallied and really found again, it was a good effort.”
Collett delivered a perfectly-timed ride aboard Felines to win the 2016 Concorde Stakes and was impressed by the late effort mustered by the mare to find the line.
“That track and distance is perfect, that was pretty impressive,” Collett said after dismounting.
“I could hear something coming and I didn’t know who it was, but she gave a really good kick and I thought we got there a bit soon.
“To her credit, her kick was strong and it was enough in the end.”
In taking out the 2016 Concorde Stakes, Felines has extended her racing record to eight wins and as many minors through twenty-four starts.
Punters who backed Felines to win the 2016 Concorde Stakes with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au have been paid out on generous $9 odds!
2016 Concorde Stakes Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | FELINES | Kris Lees | Jason Collett | – | 2 | 54kg | $8.50 |
| 2 | 5 | FEDERAL | John O’Shea | James McDonald | 1.5L | 8 | 57kg | $8 |
| 3 | 7 | CRAFTINESS | Joseph Pride | Blake Shinn | 4.5L | 3 | 56kg | $8.50 |
| 4 | 8 | HURRARA | Garry Frazer | Tommy Berry | 5.1L | 7 | 56kg | $81 |
| 5 | 10 | HIDDEN PEARL | Barry Lockwood | Ms Bridget Grylls (a) | 6.1L | 1 | 54kg | $3.60 |
| 6 | 1 | JAPONISME | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 6.9L | 6 | 60kg | $2.45F |
| 7 | 3 | WOULDNT IT BE NICE | Paul Perry | Rory Hutchings | 7.6L | 4 | 58kg | $20 |
| 8 | 12 | GOCUP BELLE | Mick J Smith | Ms Kathy O’Hara | 17L | 5 | 54kg | $101 |
