Maja Mahi Mahi wins 2017 Group 1 Sapphire Crown
MAJA Mahi Mahi has upstaged one of the best fields to ever contest the Group 1 Sapphire Crown (515m) with a tenacious victory at Sandown Park on Thursday night.
Trained by Ashlee Terry, the black bitch was quickly into stride from box two and was able to punch up and hold the lead on the inside of dual group 1 winner Striker Light in the charge around the first turn.
Down the back, the bonny bitch was once again challenged – this time by group 2 Laurels heroine Up Hill Jill (box five). However, coming off the back Maja Mahi Mahi slipped into top gear and despite rolling wide in the home straight, she was too strong for Up Hill Jill when scoring by half a length in 29.67.
Terry, who is based at Cranbourne South, was speechless after the win – her first at group level.
“We didn't really expect it but I was hoping that if she got out in front…I don't really know what to say,” Terry said.
“She wasn't quite ready [for the series] we didn't think so it shows she is pretty tough.
“I don't know what else could top this…I am very excited.”
Maja Mahi Mahi, a daughter of Spring Gun and April's Legacy, has now won 13 of her 40 starts with her prize money earnings now in excess of $143,000.