Classy mare Madam Gangster has posted arguably a career-best result to date at Flemington this afternoon; completing an exceptional run to take out the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) ahead of a talented field.
Madam Gangster charged home to win the 2015 Frances Tressady Stakes. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell
Jumping from the gates particularly well, Madam Gangster was settled in prime position on the heels of the Frances Tressady Stakes’ early leaders Whistle Baby and Nadeem Lass; finding a good rhythm and receiving an ideal run in transit.
Hugging the rails leading into the final straight, the Al Maher mare quickly reached the fore of the pack and charged clear of the field; maintaining a good enough sprint in the final 200m to hit the line comfortably in the clear of Girl Guide and third-placed Nadeem Lass.
Renowned jockey Craig Williams was impressive aboard Madam Gangster in the 2015 Frances Tressady Stakes and was quick to praise the efforts of trainers Lee and Shannon Hope in the success.
“Credit to Lee and Shannon Hope to win her last four races,” Williams said.
“Lee was very confident and said even though she hasn’t been racing for a while she’s hard-fit and it’s important to be placing in this.
“She was awesome today, I had the right horse to quicken-up and I gave her a squeeze and then in 50 yards she had authority in the race.”
Lee Hope was on hand to witness Madam Gangster’s impressive win in the Frances Tressady Stakes; revealing an interstate trip to chase further black type success is likely to figure for the four-year-old this season.
“It was very nice, good ride; we were happy coming here and great for the owners. It’s really good to get a bit of black type,” Hope said after the race.
“I gave her two weeks at home and said we’d try to get her ready for last week or this week, and it worked out this week.
“We’ll look at that (Sydney) or even could be Adelaide but we’ll go home, see how she pulls up and go from there.
“We’ve been pretty fortunate to get her and she’s properly educated.”
Madam Gangster has now won five of a total 16 career starts since debuting for trainer Robert Kingston in late 2013.
2015 Frances Tressady Stakes Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | MADAM GANGSTER | Lee & Shannon Hope | Craig Williams | – | 5 | 54kg | $3.10F |
| 2 | 2 | GIRL GUIDE | David Hayes & Tom Dabernig | Dwayne Dunn | 1.75L | 2 | 57kg | $7 |
| 3 | 7 | NADEEM LASS | Robbie Griffiths | Chad Schofield | 2.25L | 7 | 54kg | $26 |
| 4 | 4 | GIRL IN FLIGHT | Robbie Griffiths | Matthew Allen | 2.35L | 9 | 56kg | $10 |
| 5 | 9 | SCARLET BILLOWS | Darren Weir | Ms Michelle Payne | 3.1L | 4 | 54kg | $5.50 |
| 6 | 3 | STAR FASHION | David Hayes & Tom Dabernig | Michael Walker | 3.3L | 1 | 57kg | $7 |
| 7 | 5 | DIG A PONY | Peter G Moody | Luke Nolen | 3.7L | 6 | 56kg | $12 |
| 8 | 11 | PANAREA | Lyn Tolson & Leonie Proctor | Chris Symons | 3.8L | 3 | 54kg | $81 |
| 9 | 10 | WHISTLE BABY | Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra | Damian Lane | 4L | 8 | 54kg | $13 |
| 10 | 6 | SCRATCHY BOTTOM | Michael Kent | Ms Jackie Beriman (a) | 5.25L | 10 | 54kg | $21 |
