Sporting the famous cerise colours of the Ingham family that have been successful on this day so many times before, Fangirl came with a withering run from near last under James McDonald to sweep past her rivals down the centre of the track.
At the line, Fangirl was – in the words of Network 10’s Michael Felgate – in “sweet isolation”, defeating Godolphin’s consistent colt Brigantine by three lengths with Group 2 Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) placegetter Daily Bugle a further length and a half away in third.
In doing so, Fangirl – a last-start winner of the Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1400m)– became the first filly to win the Carbine Club Stakes since Permaiscuous in 2006.
“Today, she was even better than she was last start,” McDonald said. “She worked into a beautiful spot, three wide with cover. I was very mindful that I wanted to get the first part right and she would do the rest. She certainly did that.
“She’s very smart. She’s been a work in progress. I could say that she should be almost unbeaten to be fair. She had no luck early doors and is reaping the rewards.
“It’s fantastic to ride a winner in these colours on such a big day and I’m sure Fangirl has plenty more wins ahead of her.”
Waller was represented by Melbourne foreman Jo Taylor, who praised McDonald’s ride and Waller’s education for bringing out the best in this filly in just her second preparation.
“This has always been a good day for us, thankfully, and I hope that will be the same this year,” she said. “It’s always good to kick off like this.
“She was certainly dominant once he called upon her and put it together and put them to bed quite quickly. James knows these horses so well and he rode her accordingly.”
Fangirl joins an honour roll that includes future Group 1 winners Levendi, Comin’ Through, Kermadec and Kidnapped, as well as a subsequent Melbourne Cup hero in Saintly.
Image: Fangirl racing away from her rivals (Image: Getty Images)
