A memorable edition to the Thousand Guineas went down at in the history books at Caulfield on Saturday as a thrilling photo finish between Missile Mantra, Southbank and race-favourite Flit left punters on their toes.

The Godolphin three-year-old was eventually awarded her first-ever Group 1 win after getting the nose down at the line. Flit entered the race at $2.30 odds with Ladbrokes.com.au, and although it wasn’t pretty, champion jockey Hugh Bowman couldn’t have been happier with the result.

“I was a little bit surprised that she didn’t quicken like I felt she was going to last start. The pace really poured on at the 400m and if I had to wait for that pace to go before I could move, and it just left her a bit flat footed,” Bowman initially said.

Trainer James Cummings is considering a trip to this year’s Ladbrokes Cox Plate following Flit’s thrilling Thousand Guineas win at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo Credit: Ultimate Racing Photos.

“But my word she was strong late. I think if it was a more evenly run event – I think there were a couple pilots out there who were more worried about me than the race – I think if it was a genuinely run event she would’ve won comfortably.”

There was very little speed in the early goings as Southbank took up the lead from I Am Eloquent out of the gates. Flit also got away cleanly from the barriers and enjoyed the run of the race off the fence with a furlong to go.

Punters on board Southbank have to feel a little hard done by, however, as Anthony Freedman’s three-year-old ran second for the third race in a row. As we’ve seen before, Flit’s dazzling turn of foot proved too much to match.

“Today’s the grand final. This is a race she’s been aimed at, sure we had no luck last time but that can happen at this track, as it can happen at Moonee Valley and a little bit less so at Flemington on the Melbourne tracks. But that’s behind us, we’re here today and she’s a Group 1 winning filly,” Bowman went on to say.

Team Godolphin now has some decisions to make ahead of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) in a fortnight’s time at Moonee Valley. Flit currently holds a nomination in the race, and by the sounds of it, trainer James Cummings is optimistic his horse will head that way.

“Three-year-old fillies have a wonderful record in it, I must say before getting through the Caulfield Stakes this year it’s looking pretty open. I dare say she’d be comfortable at a mile and a quarter, we’ve got that decision to make and we’ll let the dust settle first,” Cummings said following Saturday’s win.

Flit is a $26.00 chance in the All-In 2019 Cox Plate betting market at Ladbrokes.com.au. Full odds can be viewed here.

2019 Thousand Guineas Results & Finishing Order