Reigning champ sends ominous warning

STAR mare Stylish Memphis sent notice to prospective rivals via her performance at Club Menangle just moments ago.

Having her third start since crossing the Tasman last month, the New Zealand-bred pacer remains unbeaten this campaign thanks to her victory in the Sibelia Stake.

Not only did the daughter of Bettors Delight successfully retain her title in the Group Two, she proved she is on target for her Ladyship Mile defence in a fortnight.

Thrilled with the five-year-old’s effort, trainer Jack Trainor has no doubt Stylish Memphis is the one to beat in the $200,000 feature.

“She proved too good for them when she came over last year, and if anything, she has come back better than last time in I reckon,” Trainor said. “She’s three-from-three this time here and just feels terrific.

“She has a pretty good record at Menangle, including winning the New South Wales Oaks as a three-year-old and hopefully she can keep that going for the next few weeks.

“I can’t see any reason why she won’t.”

With Trainor in the cart Stylish Memphis was settled towards the tail of the field from barrier 10 as Victorian raider, Maajida, worked to the lead from gate six.

Forced to the extreme outside at the top of the home straight, Stylish Memphis unleashed a blistering sprint to score by two-and-a-half metres from Our Cowgirls N Lace.

Mona Mia was a metre away third.

Bred and owned by Wayne Higgs, Stylish Memphis covered the mile in 1:50.6, taking her record to 14 wins and 13 placings from 34 starts for earnings of $543,883.

“She had a good trip but down the back I knew should have to come pretty hard,” Trainor said. “As soon as we straightened and I asked her to go she just took off and hit line the brilliantly.

“That run will top her off nicely for the Ladyship in a couple of weeks and I’ll just keep her ticking along at home between now and then.”