Crown Guinea never looked the winner until where it counted – the finishing post – at Gatton.
She charged home to score a narrow but decisive victory as $3.90 favourite in a Ratings Band 0-58 (1100m) in the final event on Sunday (April 27).
Trained by Stuart Kendrick and ridden by Brandon Lerena, the mare appeared beaten halfway up the straight before producing a withering late surge.
With just a few strides remaining, she reeled in the leaders and lunged right on the line to get her nose down in a dramatic finish.
Kendrick was full of praise after the race, highlighting both the horse’s consistency and the strength of the ride.
“It was an excellent win. She never looked like winning until the last couple of bounds and put in a couple of massive strides to get her nose down on the line,” Kendrick said. “She’s been very consistent this time in without winning and just the strength of Brandon Lerena was the difference, lifting her over the line.”
The victory was a deserved breakthrough after a string of honest efforts this preparation, and Kendrick confirmed Crown Guinea will now head for a break.
“She will have a well-earned spell and, hopefully, can come back after the carnival and continue on her winning way,” he said.