Craig Williams’ precision and race-day planning paid off in style as he guided Inkaruna to victory in the newly enhanced million-dollar edition of the Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield.

This year marked the first time the Group 3 1200-metre event — traditionally held in October — has been shifted to November and elevated to seven-figure status, giving three-year-old sprinting fillies a lucrative new target after the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Prepared by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Inkaruna ($5) powered home to score by 1½ lengths over the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained outsider Kujenga ($41), while the $1.90 favourite My Gladiola finished in third place.

Williams said the filly’s professionalism from the outset gave him complete confidence.

“She stood well in the gates, got a nice start, was able to control where I wanted to,” Williams said.

“She was a little bit on the bridle and had a nice smooth run (and) the blinkers have worked really well.

“I had the right horse to win a million-dollar race here.”

The win capped off a consistent preparation, coming just ten days after her narrow second to Point Barrow at Flemington.

Williams said beating the favourite was always going to be the major challenge.

“The grey My Gladiola, the top weight was the horse we all had to beat – she’s a superstar but we had to just go out there and ride our own race,” Williams added.

“I spoke to Sam this morning at depth about what we want to do with her.

“The first part was get her out nice and clean.

“We got into a nice rhythm, had the right horse to follow into the race, and then she was a really good and strong late.”

Finishing-rider Jamie Mott later suggested that My Gladiola may be nearing the end of her preparation after racing below her usual level.

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