The Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) was a long-held target for Grahame Begg’s capable mare Splash Back, and that ambitious plan came to fruition at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
After a less-than-stellar performance in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in the Spring, Begg redirected his focus to Queensland. With notable runners like Fangirl and Spicy Martini withdrawing, Splash Back was afforded the top saddlecloth.
Jordan Childs opted to save ground on the inside, a tactic similar to Splash Back’s previous win in the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m). The $8.50 chance found a clear path and surged to victory by 1-1/4 lengths over Savagery Vibe ($21), with Gerringong ($5) another length back in third.
Begg, who secured the Tatts Tiara with Bonanova in both 1999 and 2000 when it was a Group 3 event, commented on Splash Back’s deserved win following solid efforts in the Kingsford Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap.
“It’s always been a race that I really love,” Begg stated. “She’s been a beauty, this horse. Since we got her to train, she’s been outstanding. She’s all heart, she just goes out and goes to war for you.”
This victory marked Begg’s 16th Group One win. It was also only the second time Childs had partnered Splash Back, despite Childs having more than double the rides for Begg compared to any other jockey.
“I gave him (Childs) licence and said, ‘If you’ve got to go back to the inside because there’s nothing wrong with it today’,” Begg explained. “The track’s played beautifully… they’ve done an amazing job and they’ve absolutely looked after us a treat. We’ve had a good number of horses here and it’s just great.”
Childs expressed his delight at winning another Group One race, having previously won the 2018 Blue Diamond Stakes with Written By for Begg, and more recently the Robert Sangster Stakes on Geegees Mistruth.
“I was able to sneak runs up the inside and coming to the corner, I knew I just needed to unfold the way I needed it to and a few runs to appear,” Childs said. “Once she did, she really burst through. Great to get another Group One winner for Grahame and especially this horse, she’s been fantastic.”
For those interested in the racing markets, check out the racing betting markets for upcoming events.