After missing a start in the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, quality mare Tulip (Pierro) has claimed a consolation in a race on the undercard at Caulfield.
Tulip was left stranded as fourth emergency for Saturday's Rupert Clarke so instead connections ran her in the Punters.com.au Living Legends Handicap for mares and she carried top weight to victory.
With apprentice Ethan Brown claiming 1.5kg off Tulip's 60.5kg, the four-year-old worked forward to sit outside the lead in the 1400m race then dug in for the fight in the straight.
Tulip edged clear of leader Shoko in the final 200m to win by a neck with three quarters of a length to Mamzelle Tess third.
Co-trainer David Hayes said the win was a small consolation but he felt Tulip would have been a genuine chance had she gained a start in the day's feature.
Hayes was thrilled to see Tulip win beyond 1200m for the first time and believes as a more mature mare now she will now be able to stretch to 1600m this spring.
Hayes has the Gr.1 Myer Classic (1600m) for fillies and mares in his sights with Tulip with the Gr.2 Blazer Stakes (1400m) at Flemington an option on the way there.
"She'll be a good mare to follow I think," he said.
"I'm sure now she's a mature mare she's got another string to her bow."
Bred by Orpendale, Tulip was a $400,000 New Zealand Bloodstock graduate from Curraghmore's 2016 draft when purchased by Lindsay Park Racing in partnership with BBA Ireland. -AAP
