It was straight to the lead for the promising Miss Jane at Morphettville on Saturday and it was there she stayed, the lightly raced and talented four-year-old kicking clear early in the straight and holding a 2 1/4 length winning margin to the line.
"We always thought she could do something like that," said trainer Niki O'Shea of the four-year-old who has now won three of her four starts.
"She has plenty of ability, she has a big stride and can sprint, she is a nice horse."
Jockey Jason Holder agreed - "she just keeps raising the bar and she still has a lot up her sleeve. She gave me a nice feel in track work this week and I came here confident, I knew there would have to be a good one in the race to beat her."
Boasting crosses of Danehill's third dam Natalma and Rainbow Quest's grandam
Where You Lead, Miss Jane is a daughter of emerging stallion Skilled who is
proving popular at his new home; Riverbank Farm, Benalla.
The stud's Russell Osborne and Dr Caroline Duddy have been pleased with the response to Skilled with a number of breeders ringing to let them know how well their youngsters by the well credentialled son of Commands are shaping.
Cranbourne trainer Allison Sheehan is one with wraps on her Skilled, a half-sister to multiple city winner Andrassy - "she is the biggest and scopiest foal out of the mare, she has had two preparations and I am very happy with her, she has a super temperament."
A three times winner at two, Skilled put his precocious class on display with victories in the Listed Baillieu Stakes and the Group One Champagne Stakes. Continuing to perform consistently in the best of company at three, he finished second to Ilovethiscity in the Group One Randwick Guineas, also recording game placings in the Group Three Caulfield Guineas Prelude won by subsequent Caulfield Guineas winner Anacheeva, the Listed Gothic Stakes, the Group Two Royal Sovereign Stakes and the Group Three BTC Classic.
Joining Miss Jane as Skilled progeny with talent are the likes of Lady Skills (a gallant second at Sandown on Wednesday), So Skilled (winner of two in a row in Adelaide earlier in the year, trialling well recently in preparation for his second campaign), recent Macau winner Altered (Eagle Farm placed before heading to Asia) and last start easy maiden winners Conwoman and Regina del Nilo.
"He is a stallion with plenty of upside," Russell Osborne said, "and we are so happy with the reaction from breeders to him. He is a lovely looking horse with a great temperament and we are confident that he will do a good job for owner/breeders."
Skilled stands at a fee of $3300 (incl gst) and as a wonderful bonus all reproductive vet costs are included in that with Dr Caroline Duddy one of the region's most renowned equine vets. For further information contact Russell on 0423 768 155.
