Last season’s champion two-year-old Earthquake has returned to form with a convincing win in the Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield.
The Godolphin filly, a winner of the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield over 1200m in February, lumped 59kg to victory under Kerrin McEvoy.
Starting the $2.15 favourite, Earthquake scored by a length from Tawteen ($6) with More Radiant ($4.40) a half head away third.
Godolphin trainer John O’Shea was relieved to have the filly back in winning form after two heavy track appearances in Sydney and he is looking forward to the month ahead.
“I’ve been really happy with her all along,” O’Shea said.
“Her main focus for the spring is in the next month. There was no point having her wound up early in the spring and bottoming her out on those heavy tracks.”
O’Shea said the Group One Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on October 24 was on the agenda and he may employ blinkers when she next steps out.
McEvoy said he thought the filly was labouring under her impost at the 600m but was on happier terms when they swung for home.
“She’s a quality filly and it’s good to see her win again,” he said.