Another valuable prize for the Ciaron Maher stable as Running By justified her favouritism in the $350,000 Inglis Bracelet (1600m) at Flemington.
Given the run of the race, one out one back, by John Allen, the 5-year-old daughter of Impending powered to the line to defeat the 4-year-old So You Think mare So Glamourous by one and three-quarter length with the 4-year-old Snitzel mare Waimarie a short-half-head back in third.
Second in the Group III Mannerism Stakes and Group III Matron Stakes in the autumn, Running By advances her record to five wins and four seconds from 14 starts with earnings of $599,950.
"The team at Ballarat have done a great job with her, and the owners have been very patient," Maher said.
"She's been drawing some horrid barriers, and we've scratched her and scratched her again, and finally, we found the right race and a beautiful ride by Johnny.
"The team have done a good job because it's been sort of six weeks between runs and it's hard to keep those mares on the edge.
"It's great to get another win. She's a beautiful mare. She’s stakes placed and has been knocking on the door. I' m not sure where we' re going to get it (stakes), but she will."
John Allen said the race did not pan out as he had planned.
“I thought I’d be in the first four and possibly outside the lead. Roots was probably a surprise pressing forward, but it was a sedate tempo, and I suppose there were a few concerns about stepping up to the mile,” Allen said.
“They went so slowly that it turned into a sprint home from the 600 (metre mark), and she was too sharp for them.
“It was a long time between runs, but you never really worry when you get on one of Ciarons.”
A $210,000 purchase for Ciaron Maher Racing from the Newhaven Park Stud draft at the 2021 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Running By carries the colours of Seymour Bloodstock.
Running By is the best of two winners from as many to race for the 3-time winning Domesday mare More Spark, a half-sister to Listed Morphettville Guineas winner Sparks Fly (Flying Spur) and the stakes-placegetters El Spark and Sparks Burn.
Commercial Bloodstock Services P/L (FBAA) shelled out $100,000 for More Spark’s Ole Kirk colt at the 2024 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.
More Spark has a yearling filly by Xtravagant and foaled a State Of Rest (IRE) filly on September 10.
Larneuk Stud’s dual Group 1 winner, Impending, is enjoying a successful week following three winners on Melbourne Cup Day.
