Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr have combined with Thomas Stockdale for the second time in four races to take out their second Group 3 contest of the day at Moonee Valley, with Gumdrops (+600) joining Vibrant Sun with a win in the Group 3 Don Casboult Classic.
The daughter of Written Tycoon won the Listed Crockett Stakes at the same track and trip last year and she has returned to the scene of the crime to record her first win in Group company.
The race favourite Isthmus (+280) ran along at her own pace at the front of the field, with Brazen Style (+2200) and Diamond Decorator (+1800) outside of her, while Gumdrops settled behind the leading trio on the fence.
Stockdale chose to follow the leader through along the rail, but as Isthmus started to tire, the eventual winner took over and careered away to claim a stylish win.
Gumdrops recorded a 1.25-length victory over Moesha (+1500) and Inhibitions (+300) who ran home strongly to finish in second and third, respectively.
“Gumdrops is a better filly than she was last time in. I'm very happy for Thomas,” Price said.
“He didn't panic and I suppose now we have to work out what is next.
“1200-metres is good for this filly. It is ideal.
“He's (Stockdale) riding confidently, isn't he.
“I saw him go for a run on the inside and I thought ‘cocky' but I'm happy for him.
“I know she is going well but down the straight and drawn the inside, all the inside horse ever wants to find the fence.
“It was just one of those awkward runs. She was on one rein the whole way down the straight.
“She is going super and she is a better filly than last prep so now I've just got to see what we'll do.”
“Mick gave me the confidence. He left the ball in my court although he gave me a couple of guidelines but it was up to me where I was going to be,” Stockdale said.
“I landed on the back of the horse that I wanted to be and he took me everywhere I needed to go and I was able to peel off into that better going and she was going strong late, though I do think she'll improve off this run.
“There weren't many options to go out wide and Isthmus was always go to take me well into the straight and when I did get there I was able to get the bigger ground.”
“Big thanks to Sheamus Mills, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, and all their team.
“They have probably provided me with my best day in the sport in my career.”