Soft track helps Igraine win Caloundra Cup

A return to a soft track helped Kiwi mare Igraine score a consolation win in the $175,000 Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) on Saturday.

Trainer Robert Priscott brought Igraine to Queensland with the Brisbane Cup at Eagle Farm three weeks ago as her main aim.

However, she was never in the hunt after being blocked for runs in the straight to finish 12th.

Priscott said he expected a much better run in the Caloundra Cup, especially when rain fell all week.

He was proved right when Igraine ($4.20) was far too good scoring by 2-1/4 lengths to Sopressa ($11) with 1-1/4 lengths to Travistee (6.50) in third.

“She had no luck at her start in the Brisbane Cup after she had run two good races in the lead up. But she likes the track to have some give and she got that today,” Priscott said.

“We can head down to Grafton now for their Cup (July 11) which should suit her as well. Then she is staying in Australia to go to stud.”

Priscott is best known in Australia for his Group One mare Hill of Grace, who raced well in the Spring carnivals about 20 years ago.

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“I have been to Queensland occasionally with some horses and last time I was here a few years back I had a two-year-old filly Diamond Deck who ran some good placings,” Priscott said.

Winning jockey Robbie Fradd battled a cold all day before pulling out a superb ride to win on Igraine.

“The horse is tough and so is the jockey. She was well turned out and the hard tracks had been the undoing of her,” he said.

“One thing you know the Kiwis can train a stayer.”

Matt McGillivray tried hard to steal the race by leading all of the way on Sopressa.

“It was only in the final 150 metres the winner proved too strong,” he said.

Trainer Paul Jenkins was thrilled with the third of Travistee, who was backing up from last week’s Tattersall’s Cup.

“He is only just out of restricted class,” he said.