Classy mare Tycoon Tara has justified her notable support from punters at Caulfield this afternoon, leading from start to finish to take out the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) by more than a length.

Tycoon Tara charged home to win the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell

Jumping from the gates well, jockey Ben Melham, who partnered the winners of races 7 and 8 at Caulfield this afternoon immediately led the Written Tycoon mare to the front of the field; setting a quick tempo away from the barriers alongside the likes of Solicit, Griante and clear favourite Girl Guide.

Finding the final straight still in the lead, Tycoon Tara appeared to be dropping back towards the main pack, but kicked exceptionally well to again pull away and hit the line in the clear of Group 1 winner Bonaria; Politeness running on for third.

Trainer Simon Wilde was thrilled with Tycoon Tara’s 2015 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes success, and revealed the horse’s connections had to talk him into entering the four-year-old in the event.

“It was a very good win,” Wilde said after the race.

“I was a little bit cautious and wanted to take her to Moonee Valley in a week’s time and the owners said no, have a go here and I’m glad they did.

“She’s come a long way from a Dunkeld BM64 this prep and onwards an upwards.”

Jockey Ben Melham has been in scintillating form at Caulfield this afternoon, having partnered San Nicasio to success in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes and Dissident in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes leading into the Bellmaine Stakes, and believes Tycoon Tara is far-better than what she is rated.

“It’s be a terrific day and she’s a really underrated mare, this,” Melham said.

“I think she’s got really good ability and she’s come a long way in a short period of time.

“It was just a little bit awkward out of the barriers but then mustered up really quick underneath me.

“We got there and then I was able to control her around the turn and she held on to the finish.

“It helps when you’ve got the support of good stables behind you.”

Securing without doubt her biggest career win to date in the 2015 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes, connections may now elect to set Tycoon Tara for bigger black type races over the 2015 Autumn Carnival.

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Punters who backed Tycoon Tara to win the 2015 Bellmaine Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au have been paid out on generous $5.50 odds!