Prompt Response returns a Group Two winner

Prompt Response is on her way to autumn Group One races after winning the Breeders Classic.

After a couple of close calls, Prompt Response will be given every chance to live up to her Group One potential and has made the perfect start with victory in the Breeders’ Classic at Warwick Farm.

Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Prompt Response came within a long head of Tycoon Tara in the Tatt’s Tiara last June and was fourth in a blanket finish to the Myer Classic in the spring.

She had three wins and nine minor placings going into Saturday’s Group Two sprint over 1200m.

Sent out at $5, Prompt Response settled well for Blake Shinn and stamped her authority over the $2.40 favourite Egyptian Symbol in the final stages to beat her by 1-1/2 lengths.

“She is so consistent and at times it’s frustrating that she hasn’t won,” Bott said.

“There are some nice Group One race for her in the autumn, the Coolmore and the Queen Of The Turf and we’ll probably keep her to fillies and mares races.

“She is Group One quality and deserves that next to her name.

“She had a quick turnaround from Melbourne but was ready today.

“The way the race was run played into her hands and although she is so good over a mile, she had the quality over 1200.”

As expected, Memes ($7) led the field at a solid pace with Prompt Response third until Shinn asked her to extend in the straight.

Danish Twist ($14) ran home well for third with Memes holding on for fourth.

Shinn was effusive in his praise of the four-year-old.

“SHe isa great mare,” he said.

“She is a beautiful horse to deal with and has a lovely nature.

“I was able to get a spot and she had the kick to do the rest.

“I’m just delighted for her and the owners.”

Jason Collett was not quite so delighted with Egyptian Symbol.

“She’s a bit tricky and things didn’t work out,” he said.

Bott said Prompt Response would probably run next in the Millie Fox Stakes as a lead-in to the Group One Coolmore Classic (1500m) on March 17.