Satin Shoes has won the last race of the day at Caulfield, the Carlton Draught Plate
A true sign of professionalism was on display when Caulfield Cup winning jockey Craig Williams put the pleasures of the day behind him and steered Satin Shoes perfectly to win the Carlton Draught Plate (1100m) in the last race.
The Clarry Conners trained filly was taken to the lead by Williams who stacked the field up reminiscent of a harness race.
Rivals were posted four and five wide but refused to push on.
It played into the hands of Williams who sped up rounding the turn
Michelle Payne on Rue Maple was a victim of Williams’ tactics being posted wide, drifting back and coming again to finish second three quarter of a length away with Off And Laughing a half length away in third.
“I’ve been telling jockeys to lead on her and they won’t lead,” a vindicated Conners said.
“Craig was on her last start and I gave him a dressing down (for not leading) after the race.
“He said I will do it next time and I said I will put you on but make sure you lead.
“She is a free rolling filly with a good cruising speed and if you take that away from her you lose it.
“I put the winkers on her and that has helped her a bit.
“ I think she can get 1200m from the front because they will leave her alone.”
It was Satin Shoes’ fifth win from her 10th start.
She has been placed in one of four races at 1200m – that coming in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes at Rosehill behind Elite Falls in March.
Three jockeys Kerrin McEvoy, Craig Williams and Darren Beadman all rode winning doubles.
