Fitness tells for Crown Witness in 2017 Quezette Stakes

Darryl Sherer - Saturday August 19

Residual fitness played a major part in Crown Witness holding out Catchy at the finish of Saturday's Group III Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

Advertisement
Crown Witness made fitness tell in the Quezette Stakes. Photo: Darryl Sherer

The Blue Diamond Stakes winner was racing first-up since finishing last in the Golden Slipper Stakes in April while Crown Witness had won both her starts this preparation, defeating Lindsay Park Racing-trained fillies both times.

Trainer Stuart Webb could see the funny side after Crown Witness ($6 - $3.80) raced in second place under Ben Melham to the home turn and then held off the late challenge of Catchy ($2.30 fav) by a head with Ploverset ($13) a further 2 1/4-lengths away third.

"I think David Hayes will be sick of the sight of her - her three wins have all been over fillies of his," Webb said.

"I thought she did a fantastic job to stick her head out and beat a quality filly like Catchy.

"I thought Catchy had us cold in the straight but she's a tenacious filly and it's a big thrill to win a race like this."

Webb said he is undecided whether to push on into the spring with the daughter of Star Witness.

"I'm not sure where we'll go, I'm mindful she's in her first preparation and she's one we've had to back off a few times and then start again," Webb said.

"We'll see how she is this week and then we'll take it from there.

"She's got a brain and is nice and relaxed so she might get to 1400m but I do think we've got a filly that will be better in the autumn - she's just a really good filly."

Melham said the race went according to plan.

"She had an easy run on the speed and she did a real good job, she was real game to the line," Melham said.

"At this distance today and with one to chase she settled nice but I'll leave it to the experts to decide if she'll stretch out over further."

David Hayes was far from disappointed with the effort of Catchy.

"She is still a bit wintery and has a fair bit of improvement in her," Hayes said.

"The winner is obviously a smart filly but I thought Catchy and Ploverset both ran very well and will improve."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Elite Broodmare Band Booked to Celestial Legend
Woodside Park Stud is proud to announce they are sending an outstanding group of broodmares to visit their exciting young sire Celestial Legend. 
One to Watch – Ballarat
Last seen contesting the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes, newly gelded three year-old Olatunde bolted in at Ballarat on Monday continuing the fast start to the new season for his sire Farnan.
G1 Guineas Goal for Unbeaten Snitzel Filly
A quartet of well-performed fillies from Stephen Marsh’s stable took their first steps toward upcoming age group features when they stepped out at the Taupo trials on Monday.
Aussie Globetrotting Mare Now Calls Woodside Home
Woodside Park have released a list of their quality mares set to visit new recruit Celestial Legend this spring and one of them is Aussie bred Group II winner Nafaayes, who produced a promising 2YO winner overnight in the UK.
Te Akau Stars Warm Up at Taupo Trials
Perennial bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha headlined a strong contingent of trialists out of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson’s stable at Taupo on Monday.
G2 Winning Mare chasing G1 Success
Classy mare Val Di Zoldo will have the opportunity to test her talents at the highest level this term after resuming with a tidy trial at Taupo on Monday.
Blue Gum Farm Welcome First Foal of the Season
Victorian nursery Blue Gum Farm announced on Monday the arrival of their first foal of the season and there is no mistaking the sire of this gorgeous filly.
Zoustar 7YO on Comeback Trail
Joliestar is not the only good Zoustar carrying the colours of Cambridge Stud as Lance Noble has his eye on a major early season prize with one of the few older members of his stable.
Sires With Winners - Monday August 4
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Nominees Announced for Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards
The nominees for the prestigious 2024/2025 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards have been announced today by Racing Queensland in association with Racing Australia.