The John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes (1200m) might have added another superstar to its honour roll with Autumn Ballet clocking the fourth quickest time(1:10.06)in the race’s history on Sunday at Thoroughbred Park.

Not many feature races have eluded the grasp of the first lady of racing, Gai Waterhouse. While the Black Opal Stakes fits in that category as of today, it may not by the end of the 2023 Canberra Racing Carnival.