Second
to the home turn, Selenia ($41) accelerated clear into the straight under Jye
McNeil and went on to score by a long neck over Stop Making Sense ($41), who
came through between horses in the straight after being last at the home turn.Merriest ($4.60) was a half length away third, a short head in front of Prompt Response with the $4 favourite My Country beaten 1 1/2-lengths into sixth.
Don Healy, representing trainer Robbie Griffiths, said a wide barrier and the addition of blinkers meant a change in tactics.
"From an awkward barrier (nine) we decided to go forward and it's paid off," Healy said.
"Her first-up run wasn't too bad but she was disappointing last start. There was nothing wrong with her, it was possibly just a case of second-up syndrome,
"It's great to win these races and it's good for Jye after his bad luck."
Healy said there are no lofty goals for Selenia, winner of a Listed race at Flemington last season at two.
"We'll just wait and see, it's possible she could go on to Flemington for the Edward Manifold (Stakes) but we'll just wait and see," Healy said.
"Robbie thinks this is about her level and it's a big boost to her value now to win a Group race - there are plenty of races around for a filly like her."
A $30,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Griffiths Training Pty Ltd / BBA Ireland / Peter Ford Thoroughbreds from the Middlebrook Valley Lodge draft, Selenia is the first of only two foals from ill-fated Hussonet (USA) mare Lunar Lady, who died in 2014.
Lunar Lady was a well related mare being a half-sister to Group II winners Colorado Claire and Moonovermanhattan.
Selenia is bred on the exact same cross as Blue Diamond winner Extreme Choice, who is also by Not a Single Doubt from a daughter of Hussonet.
