3 minute read

Felicia comfortably defeated her rivals to claim the How Now Stakes at Caulfield. 

Trainer Dean Binaisse says the monkey has finally been lifted from his back after Felicia outsped her rivals to claim the $160,000 Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield. 

Feleicia raced to a two-length victory in Saturday's race for mares having finished second in Listed company at The Valley at her previous start. 

"This is my first group or listed winner, I keep running seconds or thirds in them, it drives me nuts," Binaisse said. 

"It's good to get the money off the back, it's probably a gorilla that just went past." 

Binaisse was confident heading into Saturday's race the mare had improved off her last start second behind Showmanship. 

"I've just got to thank the owners for sticking and giving me the opportunity," Binaisse said. 

"I said to Craig that she had improved again since the other day after having the month off. 

"I keep saying to the owners that if we give her a spell then she'll come back better again." 

Felicia's win provided Craig Williams the third leg of a treble after success aboard Fabric in the PFD Food Services For NJT Handicap and Behemoth in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. 

"I've reflected on my day with my riding coach and I should have had four winners today," Williams said. 

"I've had a really good day and most things have gone well."