Racegoers who braved the chilly weather at Melton on Saturday night savored the win of champion race mare Ladies In Red in the Cinderella Stakes.
David Moran let Ladies In Red amble around to wrest the lead off stablemate Soho Historia with a lap to travel and the six-year-old daughter of Mach Three cruised to the line in a mile rate of 1:52.6 for the 1720m journey.
Ladies In Red will travel to Brisbane this week in search of the rich spoils on offer with her focus being the $150,000 The Golden Girl where she will clash with NSW mare Aardies Express and fellow Victorian Rakero Rebel.
There is speculation that the win – her 16th at Melton – could be her last at headquarters as the breeding barn beckons later this year.
Moran agrees it is difficult to find superlatives that we haven’t heard to describe the eight-time Group 1 winner.
“She’s a beautiful little girl and has done a good job again,” Moran said.
“She’s been a phenomenal horse for a very long time. She’s pretty plain, but she’s got a big motor which has taken her a long way.
“I’ve been lucky enough to drive a lot of very good horses but it’s just amazing to be part of this.”
Part-owner Bill Anderson said Ladies In Red will be further improved by the run on the eve of her Queensland campaign.
“The little frustration is that it is a month between runs which is not ideal, but she just loves it here at Melton and Queensland here we come,” Anderson said.
Ladies In Red’s career record is now 27 wins and seven placings from 35 starts for more than $1.08m in stake earnings.
