Following seconds in the Group III Lord Reims Stakes and Group II Adelaide Cup, the glorious 5-year-old Alpine Eagle mare The Map rose to new heights in Saturday’s Group III Sportsbet Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2500m) at Morphettville.
Ridden by Jamie Kah for Dan Clarken and Oopy Macgillivray, the odd-on favourite won by a widening three and three-quarter lengths from Crimson Vine (Redwood) with First Immortal (Churchill) one and a quarter lengths back in third.
The winner of the Listed JRA Plate at Morphettville in February, The Map advances her record to eight wins, three seconds, and three thirds from 27 starts with earnings of $541,590.
“When they go out at $1.90, or whatever, you’re always relieved. Also I just love that horse and every time she does something like that, my heart explodes,” an excited Oopy Macgillivray said.
“She tried her heart out. I just love her.
“Let’s hope she pulls up from this and she can go to May 18 and the Andrew Ramsden and we can get that Golden Ticket (to the Melbourne Cup).
“The thing about the Melbourne Cup is that, especially now, it’s harder for a local horse to get in it. That’s the start. We’re nearly in it, but we keep giving ourselves that chance.
“We’ve got a fantastic ownership group. I’ve known them all a long time. They’re a lot of farmers from down at Keith and the South-East area.”
Armidale Stud consigned The Map to the 2020 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, where Oopy MacGillivray made the final bid of $35,000.
The daughter of alpine Eagle is the best of three winners from four to race for the 9-time winning Savoire Vivre (GB) mare This Moment.
A sister to triple stakes-winner Iggimacool, This Moment had a sister to The Map in the Armidale Stud draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale. She was a $50,000 purchase for Angus River Contractors. Named On The Map, she joined her sister in the Clarken/MacGillivray stable.
After foaling another Alpine Eagle filly last spring, This Moment was covered by So You Think’s ATC Australian Derby winner, Quick Thinker.
