Resounding pre-post favourite Srikandi has produced an exceptional turn of foot in the final straight to stroll home and win the Listed Silk Stocking (1200m) on the Gold Coast this afternoon ahead of a talented field 16.
Srikandi justified the support of punters to score a strong win in the 2014 Silk Stocking at the Gold Coast this afternoon. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Jumping from the barrier well, Srikandi quickly took up the pace; setting a quick tempo with fellow leaders Tukiyo, Gallinari and Cuddlesome over the back straight and approaching the bend.
Rounding the bend onto the final straight in prime position, the Dubawi filly quickly found her stride and pulled clear of the pack, opening up a near three length gap when finding the line in the clear of La Pieta and classy Perth raider Platinum Rocker.
In claiming the 2014 Silk Stocking, Srikandi continued her incredible career start; adding a fourth win in only her fifth competitive start.
Jogging home to win the Slickpix Plate (1000m) on debut in September, Srikandi was unlucky when blocked for a run early in the straight and second in The Drain Man Fillies (1000m) first up this season, returning to the winner’s circle in claiming the Brown’s Sawdust & Shavings (1200m) on March 26th before repeating the dose in the Carlton Draught Fillies (1200m) prior to this afternoon’s triumph.
Displaying an impressive turn of foot to break from the main pack and finish second by a nose, La Pieta has arguably hit career-best form this preparation; winning the Blackwoods Apex Tools Fillies Maiden (1400m) and finishing third in the Group 3 Belle Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) most notably prior to the 2014 Silk Stocking.
Claiming a total of three victories and seven places from only 13 competitive starts, trainer Peter Snowden has outlined major races over the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival as the next targets for La Pieta this time in.
A standout performer in the Western Australian sprinting community, Platinum Rocker was forced to pull wide to gain a clear running path rounding onto the final straight of the 2014 Silk Stocking, and was unable to match the late pace of Srikandi in finishing third.
Returning to the track in typically strong form this season, the Love A Dane mare won the Listed Birthday Stakes (1200m) first-up, working towards another impressive victory in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) before finishing an unlucky second in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) prior to the Silk Stocking.
