Caulfield trainer Henry Dwyer had indicated pre-race that the Group 3 Spring Stakes (1200m) shaped as the five-year-old’s swan song as she tried to add some valuable black-type to her pedigree before heading to the breeding barn. And those plans are unlikely to change, despite the dominance of her win in the $120,000 event.
“It’s up to the owners but there’s not much more she can do now. She’s won five in a row and won a Group race,” said Dwyer, who tasted Group 1 success at Morphettville just a few months ago when top mare Precious Gem won the Robert Sangster Stakes.
“I thought she might have just about had enough after her last win but that was probably the best she’s ever gone.”
Beirut stamped her authority on the Spring Stakes from the start, with jockey Jacob Rule sending her to the lead in the early stages then producing a perfect frontrunning ride. Beirut, the drifting $3.80 favourite after opening at $3.30, rolled along at a solid tempo then found plenty in the dash to the line.
She held a three-quarter-length advantage over grand old sprinter Riziz ($9), who trailed the leader for much of the race, with Rocket Commander ($13) another 1¼ lengths back in third.
Second favourite Cavaloce ($4) lost few admirers with her strong-finishing fourth placing, just over two lengths from the winner.
Rule said Beirut had travelled sweetly and found plenty when he asked her to extend.
“She gave a really good kick and I knew they’d have to be good to catch her,” Rule said.
The win was Rule’s first success at Group level. His most significant success before yesterday was also in Adelaide, when he won the Listed 2010 Port Adelaide Cup on Maunatrice for champion trainer Darren Weir.
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