Could trainer Kris Lees have the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) on his mind after his three-year-old, northern hemisphere bred filly Eclair Encore (Jpn) recorded a strong victory over 1800m at Eagle Farm.
Successful two year’s back in the Oaks with Amokura (Kermadec), it would be no surprise to see the Lees-trained daughter of Arrowfield Stud’s shuttle stallion Maurice (Jpn) head towards black type racing in the coming weeks during the Brisbane winter carnival.
Never further back than fifth in her eight-start career, with six top three finishes, the Andrew Mallyon ridden Eclair Encore was strongly fancied in the betting off some solid form, starting the second elect in the 11-horse field.
From barrier five, Mallyon took the filly forward where she settled in third position on the rail getting a coy run.
As the field rounded the home turn and the runs started to come from back in the field, it looked as if Eclair Encore was going to be in some trouble, but Mallyon headed back towards the inside where a gap appeared.
Chasing down the leader Ramp It Up (Love Conquers All), Eclair Encore got her head in front and kept going to take the prize by just shy of a length.
After kicking off her career with a victory over 1262m at Taree, there clearly looks more to come from the filly who is just the second winner out of the Symboli Kris S. mare Skirt Fuwari.
Interestingly, Attunga Stud will offer the Chu Kwan Li bred Eclair Encore at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale as Lot 554, just three days after the running of the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben, a race the filly could also target.
Standing the upcoming season at Arrowfield Stud for a fee of $55,000 (inc. GST) alongside his history making son Hitotsu who will stand at a fee of $22,000 (inc. GST), Maurice is the sire of 30 stakes winners led by six individual Group 1 winners.
