On the go since last November, the four-year-old Snitzel mare Vulpine made a telling statement at her ninth run of the preparation in Saturday’s Group III Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) at Randwick.
Ridden by Robbie Dolan, the Brad Widdup-trained mare took the lead shortly after the start and refused to surrender it.
She defeated the Sebring mare Seasons by three-quarters of a length with the odds-on favourite Emanate (Lonhro) a long-head back in third.
It was the first time Vulpine contested a stakes race. She advances her record to five wins, three seconds and two thirds from 18 starts with earnings of $237,640.
“It’s incredible really. She has come a long way in a short time,” Widdup said.
“To win a Group III against a good bunch of mares is a fantastic effort. She is very tough.
“It’s her ninth run in. I was thinking about putting her out, but I’ll have to have a think about it now.
“The Birthday Card It’s there, but I’ve got a couple of mares at home I’m aiming for that as well.
“So, we’ll have a good think about it. She’s done a great job.”
Consigned by Willow Park Stud to the 2018 magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Vulpine was bought by Andrew Williams B/S /Millsy Girls Racing/BK Racing for $340,000.
She is the best of two winners from three to race out of the Elusive Quality (USA) mare Elusive Leone.
Purchased by James Harron Bloodstock for $550,000 at the 2015 National broodmare Sale, Elusive Leone is a half-sister to dual Group 1 winner and successful sire Star Witness, the dual Group III winner Nostradamus, and the Group 1-placed Lady Lupino.
Sadly, Elusive Leone died in 2017. Her final foal is the 3yo Sebring mare Eight Diamonds, a winner at Canterbury who finished unplaced in last week's Group 1 Surround Stakes at Randwick.
Vulpine becomes the 106th stakes-winner for Arrowfield Stud’s flagship stallion Snitzel.
