Another Caulfield triumph for First Chorus

Five-year-old mare First Chorus (NZ) (Ghibellines) continued her winter winning spree with her third victory in succession at Caulfield on Saturday when saluting in the Travis Harrison Cup (1800m) for trainer Lindsey Smith.

The New Zealand-bred daughter of Ghibellines was perfectly handled by apprentice Luke Cartwright, who settled midfield before creeping into the race as Banker’s Choice (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) made an early dash for home.

The $1.90 favourite scored by just under half a length from Detonator Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) and Jennivamoose (NZ) (Vadamos), with connections now confirming a tilt at the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) at the same venue on August 29.

With trainer Lindsey Smith watching on from Bali, it was left to syndicator Brad Spicer to represent a boisterous group, with the syndicator honoured to win a race named after rising star apprentice Travis Harrison, who tragically died in a car accident in 1996.

“She’s had a wonderful winter,” Spicer said.

“It’s an honour to win the Travis Harrison Cup. The racing industry has really carried his legacy on.

“So we remember Travis through this race, and it's great how racing really gets behind their own people.

“She’s now ready to have a crack at the Heatherlie Stakes in a few weeks, and hopefully it rains because it will give her more of a chance. But whatever she does is just a bonus from now on.”

Jockey Luke Cartwright was perfectly poised when speed was injected into the race and was pleased to notch his second win aboard First Chorus.

“She travelled strongly because the gallop wasn’t quick, and then they really put the foot down at the half mile,” he said.

“I had to track up and ease her around the outside of the field, then she kicked clear with only Detonator Jack giving us a run for our money.

“She did what she had to because she is such a good mare. She knew what she had to do, and she has a near-impeccable record here at Caulfield.”

First Chorus is by former White Robe Lodge stallion Ghibellines. She was bred by Dean Lawrence, with his mother-in-law Diana Duff-Staniland and Paul Duffus.

A full-sister to seven-time winner Bellini Miss (NZ), First Chorus is one of four winners from the winning O’Reilly mare Broadway Miss (NZ).

Spicer purchased First Chorus privately as a young horse on account of the ability shown by her older sister.

With Saturday’s victory, First Chorus advanced her career record to eight wins and four placings from 16 starts, with A$476,360 in prizemoney to date.