Shillelagh picks up pieces for NZ stable

New Zealand mare Shillelagh will be aimed at stakes company after she overcame adversity to score at Caulfield.

Her New Zealand co-trainer Stephen Autridge said the mare will return to Caulfield in 11 days following her win in the Ladbrokes Up For The Challenge Handicap on Saturday.

Sent out the $3.30 favourite, Shillelagh charged home to score by a nose from Sovereign Nation ($9) with Master Reset ($21) 1-3/4 lengths away third.

Autridge said Shillelagh would run in Group Three Ladies Day Vase (1600m) on October 12.

“The way she won today she’ll have no trouble going to the mile next time,” Autridge said.

“It didn’t really go to plan for her today but she finished it off really good.”

Shillelagh travelled over with stable star Xtravagant who proved a flop in two Melbourne spring starts.

After finishing last in the Bobbie Lewis Stakes at Flemington, Xtravagant led before tiring in the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday.

“We brought her and Xtravagant over and he’s halfway home today,” Autridge said.

Oliver, who had earlier wins aboard Hell Or Highwater and Sylpheed, said Shillelagh was a “flashing light” when fifth at Caulfield on September 17.

“She’s a bit cantankerous. She’s got a few attitude things but she can certainly gallop,” Oliver said.

“I think she’s worth having a go at some stakes grade mares races coming up.”