Charge Forward’s sweet 15th stakeswinner

Just as she stepped up from provincial maiden company to a good city win last Spring, 3YO filly Slightly Sweet has this Autumn progressed through Group placings in Sydney to Group 3 success.

As it happened, Slightly Sweet’s maiden stakes victory came at Kembla Grange, where she began her career last September for owner-breeders Michele, Hamish, Patrick & Elise Esplin, and trainer Jason Coyle.

She started second favourite in the $200,000 Keith F. Nolan Classic 1600m G3 and settled in characteristic fashion, stalking the favourite Wine Tales near the back of the field, before mounting a big wide run with equally characteristic determination.

Slightly Sweet got the better of Wine Tales only in the last stride or two before the post, winning by a short half-head, with almost two lengths back to Heavens Above.