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Stella performance sets up clash of Heathcote Fillies

24 November 2018

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By Isaac Murphy

Stella Victoria has returned from her trip to Sydney better than ever, taking out the Listed Legacy Fillies & Mares Classic in bold fashion.

The Robert Heathcote mare had strung three wins together at Doomben before making the trip to Randwick in late October, running a gallant second behind the impressive Sexy Eyes.

Stable representative Melissa Sharpe said the camp had been slightly concerned the mare would return a bit plain after her interstate trip, but a three week freshen up had her back at her Doomben best.

“There was a little bit of a worry there that she might be a bit flat after the Sydney run, but we gave her a couple of weeks off and she was on today,” Sharpe said.

“She had to do it at both ends, Jeff (Lloyd) got her over outside the leader from out wide and she was left in front a long way out, but just kept picking up.”

Sharpe said Stella Victoria would head towards the Just Now Fillies & Mares Handicap on December 8th, where she will likely clash with stablemate Femme Fireball, before pushing on to a potential Oaks campaign next year.

“We will pick our way through the summer carnival. but we think she’s got the ability to have a run at an Oaks campaign next year,” Sharpe said.

Jockey Jeff Lloyd, who has ridden the filly in each of her races this prep said she relished being back on her home track on good ground.

“She put herself in the right spot out of the barriers and even though they poured the pressure on around the 600, she kept finding,” he said.

“She’s racing in the best form of her career, put her against anyone at Doomben on top of the ground and she’ll compete.”