The Graeme & Debbie Rogerson trained Contessa Vanessa has upset predictions with a narrow victory in the Gr. 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie.
Despite finishing an eye-catching third behind Savvy Coup in the Gr. 3 Eulogy Stakes (1550m) at her most recent run, the three-year-old Bullbars filly was overlooked as a winning prospect with attention focussed primarily on lightly raced Matamata filly Spring Heat and Gr. 1 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Hasahalo.
Those who took the short odds on Spring Heat were feeling confident as rider Jake Bayliss had a lapful of horse as he angled for a run at the 300-metre mark. Things quickly turned to custard for the favourite as the gap slammed shut and she was badly checked, losing all momentum before running on again to finish fourth.
Just as Bayliss was having his chances extinguished, rider Ryan Elliot was experiencing a similar feeling on Contessa Vanessa who had worked up a full head of steam at the 200-metre mark.
Inconvenienced behind a wall of horses, Elliot searched for a gap that magically appeared at just the right time. Elliot remained calm as he drove his mount through one off the fence to grab a narrow victory from perennial bridesmaid Kapoor who had to settle for her fifth runner-up finish in her last six starts.
