Classy mare Elite Belle narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) but picked up a consolation win by claiming an impressive victory in the Listed Carbine Club Of W.A. Stakes (1400m) at Ascot this afternoon.

Elite Belle was blocked for a run in the final stages of the R.J. Peters Stakes (1500m) at Ascot on Saturday and was unable to pick up the win that would have secured her a start in the Railway Stakes this afternoon.

Owner Bob Peters said that he was terribly disappointed that Elite Belle was unable to earn a start in the $1 million Group 1 event but was very pleased with the way the daughter of Canny Lad came from the back of the field to win the Listed race this afternoon.

“There is a little bit of consolation but she was terribly unlucky last week and today proved that she was going well,” Peters said after the race.

“That is the best that she has kept up for a while and we kept her nice and fresh this week and she did the job for us.”

“Willie is a bit more confident with her now and he is prepared to go wide and do that sort of thing now.”

Jockey William Pike did not produce the best ride of his career when he partnered Elite Belle in the R.J. Peters Stakes last weekend but today timed his run down the outside of the field perfectly and was delighted to pick up a win for the Peters team.

“They have been good supporters of mine and it is nice to get the dividends on race day,” Pike said.

“I had a really sweet run, I was trying to stay off the fence because I got held-up last start, and I got forced to the straight, which was the best thing that could have happened.

“I got a really nice break, she straightened up and was too good today.

“She was quiet unlucky not to qualify for the Railway and this is sort of a consolation win for her.”

Elite Belle may have missed out on a start in the Railway Stakes but Pike will still have a chance to record his maiden win in the Group 1 event when he partners her stablemate Ranger this afternoon.