Avienus has won the 1700m Schiavello Plate in a narrow win in front of Bashful Girl and race favourite Lamarr.

The four year old winning mare took off early out of barrier 8 to take the lead however Lara’s Glitter managed to pass the mare at the 1200m mark.

Around the 400m, the pack tightened which helped the Damien Oliver-ridden Bashful Girl to push up between Avienus and 4.80 favourite Lamarr to finish second.

Holy Guacamoley jumped off from the barrier early however slipped back to last place in the final 300m.

Lamarr took the lead at the 300m however 180m out from the line, Avienus surged forward to win by a head.

The Mark Kavanagh-trained Lamarr drifted from 3.50 to 4.80 odds just before the race begun to finish third.

Avienus has never missed a place in any of her previous races and although this was jockey Kane Bradley’s first time at Flemington, their performance was outstanding.

“She began really well…but I thought I may not get a run at the top of the ride,” said Bradley.

Trainer Mark Webb was delighted with the mare’s performance and believes the 1700m distance suits the winner perfectly.

“She has done everyone proud…and Kane,” said Webb.

“She doesn’t know how to not try…and now the value on her as broadmare is great.”