Stojakovic shines in comeback success
Jockey Lauren Stojakovic claimed her second biggest win of her career on Saturday when Brave Hustler claimed the Group 3 Sportsbet David Coles AM Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville.
Stojakovic guided Brave Hustler to the lead then kicked clear on the gelding, storming away for victory for Strathalbyn trainers Shane and Cassie Oxlade.
Thirteen years after a victory aboard Miracles Of Life in the Blue Diamond Stakes, Stojakovic seized the second biggest win of her career, which has included an eight-year lay-off until she returned to the track last October.
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“It’s massive. It’s my first city win back as well,” Stojakovic said.
“This is very special. For some reason today I felt exactly the same as I did the morning ‘Barbie’ (Miracles Of Life) won the Blue Diamond.”
The fighting qualities of Arran Bay were for all to see in the Group 3 Hahn Cummings Stakes (Formerly R A Lee Stakes) (1600m).
The seven-year old gelding was headed by Chicago Storm at the 300m mark but fought back and held off a fast-finishing Pudding.
It was the first win of a training double for Phillip Stokes, who also saluted with I Am Velvet in the final race of the day, the Canadian Club Handicap (1200m).
The win also was one of a winning double for jockey Zac Lloyd, who made it back-to-back wins when he saluted in the following race, the Sportsbet Miss Proud Stakes (1200m) aboard Naifah.
Jockey Ben Melham urges Fringes to the line in the Group 3 SA Fillies’ Classic. Picture: Makoto Kaneko
Lloyd’s winning double was also matched by jockeys Harry Grace and Ben Melham.
Melham piloted Private Legacy to back-to-back listed Thomas Farms Centaurea Stakes (2033m) wins, before an outstanding ride in the Group 3 Sportsbet Ken and Helen Smith SA Fillies Classic (2546m) aboard Fringes.
Grace, who has recently relocated to South Australia from Victoria, also rode a race-to-race double to start the day, steering home Peta’s Heart in the Sportsbet Green Tick Handicap (1800m) and Bred ‘Em All in the Carbine Club of South Australia (1050m).
