Twelve months on from Helmet filly Limestone winning the first race of the year in Melbourne, the New Year Plate (1000m) at Flemington, it was the turn of another daughter of Helmet to open her winning account in the same race and she achieved it by holding the challenge of a filly by Helmet's half-brother Epaulette.
A close-up fourth when leading them up in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes at Flemington on her career debut back in October, Crossing the Abbey was always travelling sweetly for Craig Williams but was all out at the finish to hold off the Lindsay Park debutant Khulaasa.
A daughter of Darley Stud's emerging young stallion Epaulette, Khulaasa was rapidly overhauling Crossing the Abbey but fell a short-half-head short.
Khulaasa's stablemate Graceful Star was three and a quarter lengths back in third. (photo Darryl Sherer ).
"I was a little bit nervous today, my old stomach was churning a bit," Hughes said.
"The other day I did her blood and her while white blood cell count was a little elevated.
"She's put on about 35kgs from her first run, which is a lot for a little two-year-old.
"We'll try and get her over 1200m and then see what happens after that.
"She's always shown us plenty of speed so we'll see how she recovers from this before we make any plans."
Williams said the daughter of Helmet was a little professional.
"I rode her early in the Spring and when I saw her here today I could see she was stronger," Williams said.
"She was very professional today, landed straight on the speed and then found for me when the other filly came at me.
"She's got the makings of a smart little lady."
A half-sister to the smart Liberty Song and the lightly raced Elusive Melody, Crossing the Abbey is the third and final foal of the Melbourne winning Bel Esprit mare Music In The Park.
A sister to the listed MRC Blue Sapphire Stakes winner City Of Song, Music Park died 12 months ago after being covered by Your Song.
Helmet has two lots on offer at the Magic Millions, three at the Inglis Classic and 13 at the Inglis Premier.
