RACING: Mare makes the most of Group One chance

Stolen Dance and jockey Sam Spratt.Race Images

Racing dreams for Stolen Dance were fulfilled at Trentham when she earned Group One success in possibly her final appearance.

The Alamosa mare had been a multiple placegetter at the highest level before she overcame a testing run for a clear-cut victory in yesterday's Gr 1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m), in which she finished runner-up to Kawi in 2016.

Stolen Dance was then trained by David Greene, but transferred to the Cambridge stable of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman after she was purchased by Gerald Shand.

"She really deserved this and it's great for Gerald," Forsman said. "We got her after a lot of hard work by David Greene, we're lucky to have her for her last preparation."

In foal to Tavistock, Stolen Dance may now be retired at the top of her game.

"She could run in the Herbie Dyke Stakes, but maybe this is her last run," Forsman said.

Stolen Dance was sent out at odds of 22-1 with her stablemate Love Affair installed favourite, but she was never a factor under jockey Matt Cameron.

Stolen Dance improved around runners 1000m from home to hit the front half-way down the straight and she had more than enough in reserve to hold Watch This Space and Hiflyer at bay.

Meanwhile, Lisa Latta and Leith Innes' confidence in Dijon Bleu's ability to succeed beyond a mile was given a major boost yesterday.

The trainer-jockey combination paired up with the high-class filly for a hollow victory in the Gr 3 Metroclad-Terracade Desert Gold Stakes (1600m).

"She gets her head up high and she's not very big, but she's a star," Innes said. "It will be interesting to see if she gets 2000m, but I don't see why not."

Dijon Bleu was tucked in on the rail behind the leaders and once a gap opened up along the fence 250m from home the daughter of Burgundy was through in a flash.

Dijon Bleu accelerated sharply to record a commanding winning performance with Blanco Belle a game runner-up and Werther's sister Milseain, in just her second start, an encouraging third.

And Magic Chai is likely to be set for a feature two-mile double after his stout staying performance to win yesterday's Gr 3 Wellington Cup (3200m).

His victory in the feature came at his open class debut and the five-year-old now has a Group One contest on his autumn programme.

"We'll get him home and see how he is and if his form holds up then the Auckland Cup is an obvious target," trainer Tony Pike said.

"He's only had 18 starts so he's still pretty much untapped. He's a good, genuine stayer."

The son of Magic Albert settled among the tailenders before picking up ground 800m from home.

"When they all took off a long way from home it played into his hands," Pike said.

Magic Chai came with an irresistible finish to swamp his rivals in the closing 150m with a gallant Sampson, Alinko Prince and the topweight Patrick Erin the next three home.

The chestnut five-year-old is raced by Lyndhurst Farm principals Mark and Shelley Treweek and gave them a result to boost spirits ahead of New Zealand Bloodstock's Yearling Sale series.