Justify Filly Franks Gr1 Surround Stakes Form

Lilac gave her connections every reason to smile on Saturday, producing a commanding front-running display to capture the Gr3 James HB Carr Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. The 3YO daughter of Justify shrugged off a pre-race hiccup, having to be re-shod after shifting a plate, to dominate the field under James McDonald, who judged the tempo perfectly to secure the valuable black-type win. Trained by Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald, Lilac was presented in peak condition following strong performances earlier this preparation, including a fourth-place effort behind Lady Shenandoah in the Gr1 Surround Stakes. The filly jumped cleanly and took up the running, dictating a moderate pace and keeping Clean Energy (Zoustar) locked up on her inside. As the field turned for home, Lilac found another gear, holding off More Territories' (Territories) late bid while Clean Energy managed third despite being short of room. Neasham was thrilled with the result. "She's been brilliant all preparation and been thereabouts running great races in the Light Fingers and the Surround behind those really good fillies," she said. "I thought she ran a gallant race two weeks' ago and we were keen to end the prep on this run and we were happy to get James on. He rated her perfectly and cuddled her to the top of the rise and she was very tough. She's so quick out of the gates and maybe she's relaxing a bit better now. I've always thought that 1400m would be her max but the way she relaxed today, it was pretty comfortable in the end." Neasham confirmed Lilac will now head to the paddock. "We'll chat with Champion Thoroughbreds and Coolmore as well (owners) now. There's a great team of owners in this filly and the racing for 4YO mares, there's such a good program for them. There'll be lots and lots of races for her like The Invitation." McDonald also praised the filly's performance. "She was good. She's a solid horse who enjoys a gallop and that's what she did today," he said. Bred by Katom and offered through Curraghmore at Karaka in 2023, Lilac was purchased for $300,000 and has now won three of her nine starts for over $370,000 in prizemoney.