Four scratchings, a bump in the first turn and a dramatic finish resulting in an upset win.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The final of the Orange Cup (520 metres) at Kennerson Park on Monday afternoon had it all, with the unlikely chance of Still Blue ($26) winning just ahead of last week's heat one winner Solar Sky ($5).
Still Blue, trained by Paul Roach of Lidsdale, wasn't even meant to be racing - being listed as a reserve - but after four scratchings to Mr. Edward, Black Rampage, Little Big Shot and Spring Bella, the two-year-old blue bitch got her chance and she didn't look back.
While wearing the green and white number nine, Still Blue replaced Mr. Edward in the number one box and jumped out of the boxes the fastest, finding the rail before anyone else did by the first corner.
It looked as if Still Blue would cruise to victory, but Solar Sky put up a gallant challenge coming into the final straight.
However, the challenger was unable to find the lead and Still Blue held on for the sixth win of her 22-race career.
It was a successful outing for Roach in the final, with his other late starter Fernando Porche ($17) - who had also been named as a reserve - finishing quickly to claim third.
Roach said it was a tight finish, with Still Blue being pursued by Solar Sky right to the winning post.
"She goes okay, but once they get going it's hard for them to run her down," he said.
"She hung it out, thank Christ.
"She's a hit and miss at the start, but the inside draw brings her out. She's had three starts from there, with two wins and a second."
Roach said it was great to win the final, considering he's never contested the Orange Cup decider before.
The rest of field finished with Awesome Fusion ($6) in fourth, hot favourite Bit Flash ($1.90) in fifth and Zipping Byron ($5) running last place.
The Julie Healy Memorial Final (450 metres) and Alan Harvey Memorial (520 metres) were held on the same day as well, which was won by Infra Blue ($9.50) and Djay Holden ($5.50) respectively.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND SPORT?
Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...