Despite starting as one of the outsiders Coupe ($26-$31) defied a late challenge from Fuji Dancer and the race favourite Lashed ($2.60-$3.50) to win in a thrilling three way finish.

After taking over the lead at the top of the straight the Mathew Ellerton trained filly then had to fight strongly to hold on in a deceiving finish.

The margin on the line was mere short half head and Ellerton confessed after the race he was uncertain as to whether his representative had in fact hung on.

"I wasn’t really sure," he reported.

On the other hand Kerrin McEvoy, who was aboard the David Racovolis trained Fuji Dancer, thought he may have arrived just in time.

"On the line I thought I might have got up," McEvoy said. "But unfortunately we didn’t."

Coupe, who is owned by well known Victorian owners and breeders David and Helen Hains of Kingston Town fame, is on track for a Group One start after today’s Group Two triumph.

"We’ll push on now to the Guineas and hopefully after that we might be able to look at the Wakeful (Stakes)," Ellerton said.

Although he did add that he may look toward the Derby with the youngster Ellerton did confess he felt Coupe might not be as effective over trips longer than 1600 metres.

Lashed lost few admirers with her close up third which impressed her rider today Damien Oliver.

"It was a very good run," Oliver said. "The pace in the race didn't really suit her but she still managed to be right there at the finish."

The disappointing effort of the race was turned in the by Michael Moroney's Queensland stakes winning filly Tequila Knowledge. She failed to beat a runner home, nearly 17 lengths from the winner.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

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