Ethereal’s granddaughter wins at Caulfield

A granddaughter of dual the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup winner Ethereal has won the stakes race named in her honour.

Eleonora, a daughter of Makfi from Ethereal’s daughter Sopra Tutto, scored a strong staying win in the 2000m Group Three Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Ethereal won the 2001 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm before going on to claim the Cups double later that year.

Ridden by Damien Oliver, Eleonora ($7) scored by 1-1/4 lengths from Tiamo Grace ($9) with Savvan ($8.50) three quarters of a length away third.

The New Zealand-trained filly has been sent to Melbourne to contest the VRC Oaks at Flemington on November 3.

Co-trainer Andrew Forsman, who trains in partnership with Murray Baker, said the filly was was early Melbourne arrival to ensure she earned enough prizemoney to gain a start in the Oaks.

Eleonora broke her maiden status with a win on the Geelong synthetic track last month before being held up for a run when 11th to Serenely Discreet in the Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington on October 2.

“It panned out a treat today,” Forsman said.

“She was boxed in a bit but she got a dream run through and after the bad luck she had last time she made up for it today.

“To win the Ethereal Stakes, named after her grand-dam, it’s a pretty special moment.”

Forsman said the Wakeful Stakes at Flemington on October 29 would be the filly’s final lead-up to the Oaks if she needed another start.

Eleonora shortened from $11 to $6.50 for the Oaks while runner-up Tiamo Grace firmed from $51 to $9 after finishing powerfully for second after being held up on the home turn.