Consistent mare Politeness has broken through for a maiden win at the highest level at Flemington this afternoon; producing an impressive late sprint to take out the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) from an improved Fenway.
Politeness was too good in the dying stages of the 2015 Myer Classic. Photo: Steve Hart
Politeness was given little chance for success at long odds leading into the Myer Classic, but the mare did her chances of success absolutely no harm when jumping well and settling in good position within the field as Solicit, Miss Rose De Lago and Jessy Belle set a reasonable tempo.
Jockey Dwayne Dunn peeled the Street Sense mare out and allowed plenty of time for her to balance before asking for an extra effort.
Offered a clear racing line, Politeness lock in a fierce sprint battle with Fenway but was too good; weathering a late charge from Azkadellia who flew home late for third.
Dunn produced a typically smart performance aboard Politeness to win the 2015 Myer Classic and was thrilled the mare was able to produce such a commanding effort in stepping up to a mile for the first time this season.
“The plan was to get back and get on rail but that wasn’t an option for me,” Dunn said.
“I just got a nice tow-in behind Damien Lane (May’s Dream) and she just got there a little too early, but she travelled up really well.
“A big thank you has got to go to Mark Zahra because he’s done a lot of work on this mare and unfortunately he’s suspended.
“A good mare in form is hard to beat and there was a question mark over the trip today but I went back and saw the way she won over 1500m at Sandown and she was as solid as a rock.
“The Aquanita team of Robert Smerdon, they’re doing a great job.”
Trainer Robert Smerdon revealed he was not completely confident Politeness would be able to overcome the talent-rich Myer Classic field, but was pleased to be proven wrong and impressed with her performance.
“It’s a tough day to have a competitive horse let alone win a race. It’s taken a while to get through,” Smerdon said.
“We made this her ultimate aim because she’s won about five Group 3 races now and the only way her long term value could increase was to win at Group 1 level.
“Pre-race I was very disillusioned – there seemed to be a real bonus to be hard on the fence but Phil Sly (owner) said I’d rather her be presented and give her an opportunity and if she doesn’t work out we’ll die trying.
“To his credit he wound out a plan there and she did the rest.”
Politeness is yet to taste anything but success through the 2015 Spring Carnival so far, having taken out each of the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Cape Grim Beef Stakes (1200m) leading into her Myer Classic triumph.
