A return to stakes company is on the cards for Decent Raine after making light work of her opposition in the Furphy Refreshing Ale Trophy (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
The daughter of Dissident was narrowly beaten in the Listed Twilight Glow at Caulfield two starts ago, before a very unlucky third placing at her most recent outing.
But luck was on the three-year-old’s side this time around, finishing the race powerfully to win in impressive fashion.
It was the filly’s tenth start this campaign, with Maher and Eustace stable representative Declan Maher saying better races are on the horizon for Decent Raine.
“I was just on the phone to David (Eustace) after she crossed the line and we put it down to she’s as tough as old bots, she’s been up a long time and she was very unlucky last start,” he said.
“It’s a really good reward for the owners, they deserve this win.
“She probably has to after today’s win (better races) but we’ve got options.
“She could have a break, freshen her up and pick out a nice race for her. She loves racing and we may as well keep doing it.”
Decent Raine bounced well from her middle draw and went forward under the guidance of Matthew Cartwright, sitting on the outside of the leader in the early stages.
The three-year-old obtained cover with 800m left to run, finding the box seat through the middle of the race and into the straight.
Cartwright eased the filly to the outside with 400m remaining, taking the lead with 200m left to travel.
She was challenged on her outside, but she was far too strong over the final 100m, extending her margin to win by 1-1/4 lengths.
The win was Cartwright’s first since December 22, with the apprentice saying the daughter of Dissident was a cut above.
“(I) Can’t thank the owners enough, Ciaron and Dave for putting me back on this filly,” he said.
“She was too good for them today and it was a really good win.
“I enjoyed a good run throughout, and I was just biting the bullet, the horse has got a very good turn of foot so I was just waiting for the right time.
“I felt the other horses come to me and it was time to go, she proved too good.”
The Leon and Troy Corstens-trained Umgawa ran second, with Attractable finishing in third position.
Race favourite Philadelphia Storm ($3.50) finished out of the placings.
“Luckless last start, too good today.”