The Kris Lees trained Asharani ensured Phoenix Thoroughbreds continued an excellent run of success in Australia by landing the Provincial Championship qualifier at Newcastle on Thursday.
The filly showed a tremendous turn of foot to come from way off the pace to book her place in the $500,000 final at Randwick.
Better suited by a more extended trip than the 1200m Asharani faced, her jockey Brenton Avdulla would have been hoping for a strong pace to aim at. He got his wish. Looking perhaps a little outpaced in the early stages the pair settled at the back of the field throughout. Still with only one behind as the field turned for home Avdulla moved Asharani out into the centre of the track. Once she saw daylight the daughter of I Am Invincible flew home to claim an eased down success.
“There was a good tempo which you get in these big fields, but she let down really well,” Lees told Sky Racing. “She was chasing a long way out, but when she got some clear running, she let down well late.
“She is a nice mare and will be well suited at Randwick in a couple of weeks.”
The final of the Polytrack Provincial Championships is run over 1400m and is scheduled for April 11.