Chris Waller is content that the Melbourne Cup Carnival is not solely about winning races, especially when a filly like Consulate performs so well in an event like the Sandown Guineas.

The Group 2 1600m Guineas, which has returned to its traditional Sandown date, was a significant race last year for Sheza Alibi, propelling her into top-line calculations.

Stretching to a mile, the three-year-old daughter of Home Affairs achieved a victory by an impressive 4¼ lengths, a performance that defied expectations for her ability over the distance.

“Her run on Derby Day was very good,” Waller said. “We brought her down here thinking ‘ok, we can give her a chance’. Some do rise, some don’t. She certainly did.”

Consulate became the 14th filly to win the Guineas since 1968. She earned this victory after finishing sixth in the Group 3 The Vanity (1400m), an event that was run for the first time on Derby Day, having moved from its usual February date.

Ridden by James McDonald, Consulate ($5) outpaced the $3.80 favourite Magna Sententia, with Star Of Macedon ($6.50) finishing third.

McDonald’s last win at Sandown occurred in 2015 aboard Who Shot Thebarman in the Group 2 Sandown Classic (2400m).

“It was very good,” McDonald stated. “She had the writing on the wall after last star and was really good up to the mile given the ground really suited her. She’s a filly that keeps maturing and she’ll go again in the Autumn, too.”

A $300,000 purchase at the 2025 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Consulate has now achieved her second win in seven starts.

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