Splash Back mare by Begg takes out 2026 Victory Stakes

Victorian mare Splash Back eyes the Group One Tattersall’s Tiara next after stealing the show from leading sprinters to win the Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm in 2026.

The spring victor in the Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley, Splash Back ($8.50) ran midfield to rival In Flight from the Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last time, but coped well with Saturday’s heavy track.

Michael Rodd kept the Grahame Begg six-year-old mare tight to the fence before she darted clear inside late to defeat Payline ($18), Warnie ($6.50) third, as Group 1 stars Transatlantic (fourth), Lady Of Camelot (fifth) and Private Harry (eighth) followed.

The jockey Rodd doubted his chances with Splash Back at the rear on the turn, stunned by the straight run that opened up.

“They went along at a decent clip, and I was out the back and wasn’t going anywhere straightening up,” Rodd said.

“I was struggling a bit and thought, I’m staying on the inside.”

“I couldn’t believe it was opening up in front of my eyes, and she will be even better when she gets out over a little bit further.”

Trainer Grahame Begg skipped Eagle Farm, with Jack Lake of the stable highlighting Rodd’s rail-hugging ride.

“Just to get up on the rail and save ground was crucial,” Lake said.

“She is spot-on for the Tatt’s Tiara.”

“She has beaten some good horses today and we always thought she was up to that class.”

Prior in the meeting, Brave Monarch under Chris and Corey Munce captured the Queensland Guineas (1600m), boosting prospects for a Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) tilt.

Bound for the Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 30, a win there might qualify him for the Stradbroke, Munce noted.

“There is still a long way to go,” Munce said.

“His rating probably doesn’t get him there, and he will probably have to go around in the Fred Best and win to get in the Stradbroke. But it’s a possibility.”

Brave Monarch’s record stands at five wins from seven, including a second black-type hit via the Listed Daybreak Lover (1400m) before this.

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