Hugh Bowman was lauded for another ground-saving ride as Lucia Valentina won the $400,000 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill.
In a carbon copy of his Rosehill Guineas-winning ride on Criterion last week, Bowman bought Lucia Valentina ($9.50) through the inside of runners.
The New Zealand-bred filly did the rest as she reeled in Solicit ($6.50) to win going away.
Forever Loved ($31) took the minor placing.
Solicit made the running from the middle stages and opened up what looked certain to be a winning break heading into the straight.
But Lees said Bowman had few peers when it came to distance racing and his ride made all the difference.
“I was a little concerned in the run because we had a plan to be in a midfield position,” trainer Kris Lees said.
“(But there’s) no better rider of stayers … I’ll stick with him.”