Resounding pre-post favourite Aimee has produced an incredible turn of foot to run on from the rear of the pack and win the Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast this afternoon ahead of Sagatona and Goodbye Kevin.

Aimee has beaten Sagatona and Goodbye Kevin on the line in the 2014 Ken Russell Memorial Classic. Photo: Daniel Costello

Jumping only fairly, the Exceedingly Good filly settled nearly eight lengths off the pace of early leaders Grapevine, Just A Single Girl and Sarisara, who set a reasonable tempo over the back straight and approaching the bend.

Appearing well and truly out contention when blocked for a run rounding onto the final straight, Aimee quickly found her stride and pushed wide; steadily moving up to the leaders and finding the line only a short nose in the clear in a tight photo finish.

Claiming her fourth consecutive victory in the 2013 Ken Russell Memorial Classic, Aimee has fast shot to the forefront of the current crop of Queensland two-year-olds; finishing third in the Powerade Handicap (1110m) before comfortably winning all of the Jim Beam Handicap (1110m), Heartkids Handicap (1300m) and Sky Racing 2.y.o. Plate (1200m) prior to this afternoon’s exciting triumph.

Cutting the corner to figure in competitive position, Sagatona was unlucky to have nodded when crossing the line in the 2014 Ken Russell Memorial Classic; appearing to have found the line in the green at first glance.

Yet to break through for a competitive race win, Sagatona was a competitive performer over early events in the two-year-old season; finishing third amongst classy competition in the Breakfast Creek Hotel Handicap (11110m) on debut and placing third behind Golden Slipper competitor Unencumbered in the Group 3 McLachlan Stakes (1200m) on December 28^th.

Undoubtedly lining up for his biggest test to date in the Ken Russell Memorial Classic, Goodbye Kevin displayed a keen turn of foot to finish third to deliver Coffs Harbour-based trainer Anthony Honess a positive Gold Coast result.

Claiming a strong victory at Tamworth on debut in October, the Immovable Option gelding is firming as a strong chance to return to Queensland for major two-year-old events over the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best odds on all major races over the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival, including the major two-year-old Group 1 J.J. Atkins!

Punters who placed a winning bet on Aimee in the Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) and signed up for the all-new Ladbrokes Card will already have access to their winnings!

2014 Ken Russell Memorial Classic Results