Conventional wisdom suggests that an in-form mare should not be spelled, and Samangu demonstrated why after overcoming a challenging run to secure victory at Caulfield.
Securing her fifth triumph in just seven starts, Samangu dominated the The Mystic Journey (1100m) on Saturday.
Under the guidance of Grahame Begg, Samangu began her campaign last October, and her latest success marked her fifth victory from six strategically planned outings.
With Jordan Childs in the saddle, betting sites favorite Samangu ($2.90) claimed a three-quarter length win over Roll On High ($17), with She Dances ($7.50) finishing a short-half-head behind in third.
Following Saturday’s impressive win, when asked about Samangu’s future, Begg confirmed she would head to the paddock.
“She’s been in work a long time, so she’s done a damn good job,” Begg said.
“She won a maiden back in the spring and we’ve spaced out her races, but I have to say today she looked the best she ever has.
“Every time she races, she’s getting better, improving her behavior and race-day attitude.
“She’s only four now and will return as a more mature five-year-old. She’s only lost once this prep, and that was up the straight at Flemington for the first time.
“She’s done a damn good job. The owners have been very patient with her as she had a few little maturity issues early doors.
“She’s overcome those, and she’s been able to sustain a full preparation.”
Begg suspected that Samangu wasn’t entirely comfortable when trapped among runners.
However, once she found open space, she quickly surged past the leaders, a testament to her growing race awareness.
“We’ve waited a long time for someone to give her a cart into the race because outside of her maiden win, she’s been too quick, always leading from the front,” Begg said.
“It was great. She’s a bloody good mare and I’ll tell you what, winners win.”