The Don and Andrew Ryan-trained mare started the race as equal favourite, at $4.60, alongside Footmark.

Ridden by Eleanor Webster-Hawes, Ave jumped from barrier five and found herself seven back with 1000 metres to race.

But that all changed, as Webster-Hawes guided the mare up the outside and as the pack came into the home stretch, she was pushing for the front.

She put in an ultimately challenge to leader Mina Harker ($11), but was unable to get to the front and had to settle for second.

Even though she missed out on the win, Ave did bring home a handy $13,750.