Central Districts visitor Sensible Princess sprang an upset when she downed a quality line-up of fillies and mares in the Group 2 NRM Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Despite boasting an impeccable formline of four wins from her last five starts, the daughter of Street Sense and capable race mare Cape Princess was making her first attempt at the elite level, a challenge that she took comfortably in her stride.
Handled perfectly by leading rider Chris Johnson, Sensible Princess tracked nicely into the race to issue her challenge early in the home straight. Leading fancy Francaletta had assumed control at this point and looked set for victory, however, in his usual imperturbable fashion, Johnson urged his mount for a supreme effort which saw her drive to the lead as the pair hit the finish line.
"She travelled nicely in the run and about halfway I came out three wide," said Johnson.
"I didn't know if she had quite got up, but she obviously got her nose in front at the right time."