Australian feature winner too good in USA

FOR the second week, former Australian-based mare The Stunning Nun has beaten the best distaff competitors in western New York.

Driven by Jim Morrill junior, the daughter of Bettors Delight captured the Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs last night.

Shallow grabbed the early lead but was overtaken by The Stunning Nun, which came flying up the rim at the 28.4 quarter.

From there Morrill controlled the pace with a 58.3-second half and 1:27.3 three-quarters where The Stunning Nun shook off a minor bid from Miley Rose.

At the top of the stretch The Stunning Nun had a length lead, and although Shallow did make a charge heading for home, the Club Menangle feature winner proved too slick in 1:56.3.

It was the third top class win for The Stunning Nun since coming to Batavia and seventh win for the year, matching her career best.

The seven-year-old is owned and trained Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner, John Manning and Barbara Jensen.

The Stunning Nun's success was part of a double for Deters and a quartet for Morrill, which took the latter to within three wins of Kevin Cummings in the driving premiership.

The Stunning Nun won seven of her last 12 starts in Australia, with three placings also in the mix.

• TIM BOJARSKI