Connections will ponder a start in next week's Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes for Azula after the talented daughter of Maurice (JPN) scored a fighting win in Saturday's Listed Ascot Green The Phoenix Stakes (1500m) at Eagle Farm.
A pick-up ride for Rachel King after Tim Clark failed to make it to the course on time, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly travelled sweetly in the run on the outside of the leader Sunny Daze.
As soon as she dispatched the leader, Azula came under pressure from the Trapeze Artist colt Flying Trapeze and the pair fought out a head-bobbing finish.
In typical fashion from the stable, Azula rallied to defeat Flying Trapeze by a half-head, with the Snitzel colt Cap Ferrat a length back in third.
It was Azula's second consecutive win from three starts, taking her earnings to $130,900.
"Great, tough effort from the filly," Adrian Bott enthused.
"She was challenged a long way from home and looked to be a head behind for most of the straight, but full credit to her. She dug deep, found the line strongly, and put her head out when it counted.
"Just looking at her physically, there's still a good bit of improvement. She's got a lovely, big frame to her, but when she furnishes out and fully matures, she will be a nice filly for us.
"She's nominated for next weekend, for the mile race (Group 1 J.J Atkins), so whether we look to push on. Whether that's the right thing to do yet or not, we'll see how she comes through the run and weigh that up. I'm sure we'll continue to see a lovely horse in the spring when she matures as a three-year-old."
"Rachel knows the horses well enough; she's had plenty to do with the stable. She flew up last night and could do some trackwork for us this morning, so I think that paid off well for her."
Rachel King said the decision to fly up the day before had paid off.
"I always have a fear of missing out. I came up yesterday and rode a couple for Gai and Adrian this morning at trackwork," King revealed.
"I'd rather do that and know I'm going to be safe, especially at this time of year when it gets foggy back in Sydney, I was happy to be here and pick up the ride.
"She was very tough. She sat off the leader nicely and relaxed well, but she got a little lost around the turn. Just not having that rail to follow, she wasn't sure what to do until the other horse got to her. I was confident we would always get our head back in front; it was just whether it would come in time."
A $100,000 purchase for G Waterhouse / A Bott / Kestrel from the Twin Hills Stud draft at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Azula is the best of five winners from seven to race from the Redoute's Choice mare Shutout.
Bred by Stuart Watt, Azula descends from Cambridge Stud's famed family of Lonhro, Grosvenor, Lankan Rupee and Tavago.
Shutout is the daughter of Group II winner and Group 1 NZ Thousand Guineas runner-up La Sizeranne (Stravinsky).
Kelette Lodge bought a Denman colt from Shutout for $70,000 from the Twin Hills Stud draft at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
After foaling a colt by the recently deceased Melbourne Cup hero Fiorente (IRE) last spring, Shutout was covered by Hallowed Crown.
Azula is the 14th black-type winner for Arrowfield Stud's Maurice (JPN) and is his first 2yo stakes winner of the season. (see more on Azula's pedigree here)
