Horse Racing

At Randwick on Saturday, spirited six-year-old mare Hot Danish finally secured her maiden Group 1 win when she defeated a top-class field of gallopers in the $300,000 All Aged Stakes (1400m).

Trained by Les Bridge, the in-form Hot Danish ($6) charged home in 1:22.04 to defeat TJ Smith Stakes winning filly Melito ($5.50) by a length, with Peter Snowden’s Lonhro mare Beaded ($12) completing the all-female trifecta a further three-quarters of a length away.

It was a disappointing finish for the pre-race favourite Mic Mac ($3.70) finishing fifth, while second-elect in the betting markets, the Chris Waller-trained Danleigh ($4), was also well beaten in seventh place.

Hot Danish, ridden brilliantly by Tim Clark, turned the tables on the Gerald Ryan-trained runner-up Melito, after running second to the Redoute’s Choice filly last start in the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m).

It was Hot Danish’s seventh attempt at an elite level victory, with her other Group 1 runs marred by unfavourably heavy tracks.

But conditions were perfect on Saturday and Hot Danish relished the dry track and stayed in control during her dominant all-the-way win in the All Aged Stakes, even with Melito putting in a gallant challenge on the home straight.

Hot Danish, a daughter of Nothin’ Leica Dane, has now saluted in 13 of her 24 career starts and Saturday’s $180,000 first prize saw her total prizemoney soar to over $1.5 million.

More Group 1 glory could be on the cards for Hot Danish as she now heads up to Queensland for the excitement of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

Bridge has already nominated her for the $650,000 Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) on May 29, where she is likely to face off against Melito once more.

Randwick’s meeting on Saturday, the last of the Sydney autumn carnival, was packed full of elite racing action. The scheduled highlight was the $400,000 Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) where Melbourne Cup aspirant Jessicabeel claimed victory.

2010 Daily Telegraph All Aged Stakes Results: