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Chinchilla Rose is exempt from ballot in next weekends Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap after working home well to win today's Group 2 QTC Cup at Eagle Farm.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The Lion Hunter filly posted her second Group 2 win from as many starts and has now confirmed a start for herself in the Stradbroke after only being a borderline hope of making the field, sitting 24th on the order of entry prior to today.
Chinchilla Rose's trainer, Steele Ryan, this week had concerns over his filly's ability to handle today's heavy track at Eagle Farm. The three-year-old was unbeaten on dead tracks, but was yet to race on anything rated slow or heavy.
Ridden by Stephen Baster, the grey sat midfield on the outside of topweight and veteran eight-year-old Mitanni, who ended up a beaten horse 200 metres from home.
The only three-year-old of the field, Chinchilla Rose was one of the widest at the turn and was pushed along by Baster at the top of the straight who timed his run perfectly and began to make up ground on Black Ink and Easy Rocker from the 200m.
The favourite hit the lead in the final metres and went on to win by a half length over seven-year-old Black Ink, who should also make it into next Saturday's Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap field for what will be his third attempt at the million dollar event.
Four-year-old gelding Easy Rocker was another length away in third.
Prior to today, Chinchilla Rose and Black Ink were at $26.00 and $61.00 respectively to win next weekends Stradbroke Handicap (1400m). Anthony Cummings trained Casino Prince is the current favourite at $5.00 in what will be his final career start before becoming a foundation stallion at Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farm.
Today's QTC victory was the fourth of Chinchilla Rose's 14 start career. It took her career earnings to over $420,000.
