The first fillies' classic of the Australian season is likely to be the next assignment for Ambience after she finished a fighting third in the 2000m, G3 Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, October 17.
The first fillies' classic of the Australian season is likely to be the next assignment for Ambience after she finished a fighting third in the 2000m, G3 Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, October 17.
Having her first start beyond 1600m, Ambience (John O'Shea/James McDonald) landed in a good position in the first 200m, but found the undulations of the Caulfield track difficult to handle at her first start left-handed.
"She was never comfortable, especially in the run along the side of the course," said trainer John O'Shea.
"It's slightly downhill, it was her first start in this direction. She just didn't handle it as well as I'd have liked."
Ambience settled in sixth place with a nice trail and, despite her difficulties, she answered jockey James McDonald's call with 250m to run and issued her challenge.
But she was unable to hold off the strong finish of the winner Dawnie Perfect and runner-up Honesta, going down by a length-and-three-quarters.
"She was a bit all over the place for most of the race," McDonald said.
"Under the circumstances she did well, She'll improve when she gets onto a bigger, galloping track."
Ambience had previously won impressively over 1600m at Randwick earlier this month, encouraging O'Shea to set her on a path to the G1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 5.
"I'd thought about running in the Wakeful Stakes at Flemington next Saturday, but I think we'll go straight to the Oaks," O'Shea said.
"She's fit and ready, there's no need for another run."
