Black-type success has always seemed to be a matter of when and not if for highly talented Almanzor (Fr) mare Mary Shan, but few would have expected it to come at the expense of a $1.50 favourite and reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year.
Recording her first black type victory, the Grahame Begg trained filly Ruska Roma was simply too strong for her rivals in the $175,000 Listed MRC Twilight Glow Stakes (1400m) giving breeder/owner Jonathan Munz his first stakes winner sired by his Group 1 Caulfield Guineas winner Super Seth.