Ambience Placed In Flemington Fillies Classic

The quality of Godolphin's Australian three-year-olds has again been shown in the courageous performance of Ambience to finish third in the G1 VRC Oaks at Flemington on Thursday, November 5.

On a day disrupted by torrential rain, Ambience (John O'Shea/James McDonald) put herself into the race on a less-than suitable track and was in position to strike entering the home straight.

But in the run to the line the fillies Jameka and Honesta showed a greater ability to handle the heavy track, holding off Ambience who finished six lengths clear of the next runner.

Ambience's placing was the third so far at G1 level for Godolphin runners over the Melbourne spring carnival and followed that of three-year-old colt Etymology who was second in the Victoria Derby.

The other G1 placing was taken by Contributer in the Mackinnon Stakes.

For trainer John O'Shea the frustration of another placing was eased by his achievement of guiding Ambience and Etymology from maiden class into the top bracket of three-year-olds in a matter of weeks.

"It's always nice to win these races, but this filly and Etymology have shown that they have bright futures," O'Shea said.

"Both were maidens at the start of their preparations and they've come through the grades and shown they can mix it with the best.

"We've got a lot to look forward to in the Autumn."

Ambience broke through for her maiden win in September and then won in Listed class at Randwick in October at her next start before scoring impressively in the G2 Wakeful Stakes at Flemington last Saturday.

Her rider James McDonald said Ambience raced like a winner most of the way.

"I couldn't have been happier, she was relaxed and travelled beautifully," McDonald said.

"At the 300m I thought 'here we go'. She let down nicely but the winner stayed the trip better and got through the ground better."