Faint Perfume has done Bart Cummings proud by giving him his ninth Crown Oaks victory after a spectacular finish in today’s $1 million race.
Ridden by Michael Rodd, the three year old filly has now confirmed her elite status among this season’s younger race horses.
Crown Oaks favourite Faint Perfume started at the back of the 12 runners while Money Angel led with three lengths followed by Silent Surround, Zapurb and Melito.
Coming into the straight, the chestnut filly slipped back while Faint Perfume and Valdemoro peeled off at 200m to end with the race favourite finishing ahead in front of Valdemoro while three lengths behind was third placegetter Savsbelle.
Well Rounded finished fourth while Miss With Attitude and Silent Surround battled it out for fifth and sixth.
Although Melito was considered a strong contender, she over raced and slipped to the back in the final 400m.
Knowing that Valdemoro and her rider Nick Hall were the filly’s biggest threats, Rodd stuck close to his rival during the race.
Money Angel’s performance was good in the first stages of the race however she went very hard too early and could not keep up the tempo in the closing stages of the race.
Bart Cummings was overjoyed with the filly’s success and can see the 15 hand champion go on to bigger things next year.
“She has a big heart and her pace was genuine,” said Bart.