Doncaster Triumph for Sacred Choice

She might not get the plaudits afforded star mares Black Caviar, More Joyous and Typhoon Tracy, but Sacred Choice (5m Choisir x Sacred Habit, by Sir Tristram) has carved a nice niche for herself as a superior miler adding the Group I ATC Doncaster Mile to her tally which already includes a win in the Group I VRC Myer Classic. The Joe Pride trained Sacred Choice raced within striking distance throughout the 1600 metre event before hitting the front at the 300 metres and cruising away to defeat Love Conquers All by a dominant two lengths. "I had the race in control a long way from home and obviously the conditions helped her,” said winning rider Tim Clark. "She was probably a length or two closer that what I'd have liked in the run but she just laps that sort of ground up and she was just cruising. "She sprinted away in the straight and was dominant on the line. "Full credit to Joe and his staff they have done a great job and I was just there sitting on her today.” Joe Pride has done a remarkable job in transforming this mare from moderate performer to dual Group I winner, but it’s a task he’s no stranger to having achieved similar success with previous Doncaster Mile winner Vision and Power. "When she came to me she was a Class Two horse and I'd have been happy to win a couple of midweeks with her,” Pride said. "Her rise has been gradual but now that she's hit this level she's been amazing.” Purchased for $40,000 from the Goodwood Farm draft at the Magic Millions Sale by Colm Santry, Sacred Choice has done an incredible job for her connections including well known owner breeder Glenn Fraser and his family. Her overall record now stands at nine wins and nine placings from 30 starts with prizemoney of $1.9 million. Sacred Choice is the second Group I winner for her sire Choisir - following in the hoofsteps of globetrotting sprinter Starspangledbanner, who will stand his first season in Australia this spring for Coolmore. Her dam, the twice raced Sir Tristram (IRE) mare Sacred Habit, is a three quarter sister to Golden Slipper winner and influential sire Marauding with other members of the family including stakes-winners Nunkalowe, Voodoo Beat, Latin News, Inarticulate, Mithrandir and Distant Melody.