Darley stallion Epaulette is building a solid record at stud and shortly after his 2yo daughter Epaumada earned a shot at the Karaka Million with a dominant performance at Eagle Farm, it was the turn of the Henry Dwyer-trained filly Tropezina to earn her stripes in the $250,000 Inglis Dash (1100m) at Flemington.
Keeping her record perfect in three starts this campaign after wins at Mornington and Caulfield, Tropezina led all the way under Ben Melham to defeat the fast-finishing Beerz With Clint (Written Tycoon)) by a head with Prairie Fire (Snitzel) another half-length away in third. (photos Grant Courtney )
"I was just worried about her stepping up that extra 100 metres to 1100, but she was able to contain her speed early and went through the first couple of furlongs nicely with her head down in a nice rhythm," Melham told AAP.
"That certainly enabled her to finish well.
"She doesn't want much further, but she was able to get the job done today in a good prize money race."
Stable representative, Maree McEwan, said he three-year-old daughter of Epaulette is expected to have her next start in the $160,000 Group III Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) for three-year-old fillies at Caulfield on February 9.
"The owners are breeders so it would be great to get some black type with her," McEwan said.
"She's not overly tall but she's got quite a bit of strength and it was terrific to see her run through the line quite strongly stepping up in distance today."
Purchased by James Bester Bloodstock / S Webb for $65,000 out of the Monarch Stud draft at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Tropezina is the second foal and second winner out of Boredom a 3-time winning daughter of Ad Valorem (USA).
Culled by Darley for $19,000 at the 2012 Inglis Melbourne Select Racehorse Sale, Boredom is a half-sister to Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes winner Complacent (Authorized) out of the Quest For Fame (GB) mare Insouciance who is a sister to triple Group 1 winner Dracula.
Boredom has a yearling colt by Kermadec and a filly foal by Artie Schiller (USA). She was covered by Kermadec again last spring.
