Despite being poor on face value first-up, Godolphin's Ingratiating was a smart winner in Saturday's Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
The four-year-old son of Frosted finished midfield when beaten 3.6 lengths in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) when first-up off a 34-week spell.
Given a perfect ride from Blake Shinn, Ingratiating ($4.20) found the winner's circle for the first time since his win in an 1100m sprint at Caulfield on September 17, 2022.
He had been racing in much tougher company than what he faced in the Bletchingly and class managed to shine through when it mattered most, getting the better of leader General Beau ($4) and the fast-finishing It'sourtime ($4.60).
Despite giving General Beau a four-length head start upon turning, Ingratiating dug deep to claim the leader inside the final 50m.
2023 Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes Replay – Ingratiating
The win handed Blake Shinn a race-to-race double for Godolphin, having steered home Va Via to victory in similarly commanding fashion the race prior.
“He's a beautiful brute to ride,” Shinn said post-race.
“He is a real pleasure to ride, doesn't seem any complications about him and a very genuine horse.
“Trying to give him clear galloping room at the right time might have been advantageous for him.
“He probably wins regardless, he was travelling that well.”
Following the win, Ingratiating is now a $101 chance to claim the 2023 edition of The Everest, a race he contested last year when failing to beat a runner home.