Banish (Image: Racing Photos)
It was a win that had to be seen to be believed and has prompted Godolphin to throw in-form filly Banish in the deep end in Saturday's Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.
In her first-up run over 1200m at Cranbourne last month, the daughter of Lonhro settled at the rear of the field and, despite spotting the leader the best part of eight lengths at the 200-metre mark, let down with a dazzling turn of speed to snatch victory in the Benchmark 64 contest.
The three-year-old has impressed connections with her improvement since the win and, after she galloped over 1000m at The Valley on Tuesday on morning alongside undefeated colt Esperance, stable representative David Charles confirmed she would line up in the $120,000 contest on Saturday.
"We were very happy with them this morning (Banish and Esperance), they worked nicely in company," Charles said ahead of a race that has also drawn entries from Blue Diamond winner Catchy, unbeaten filly Shoals and impressive last-start winner Roomooz.
"Banish is coming off a good first-up win at Cranbourne completely against the bias and she gets her chance in Listed grade on Saturday.
"It was a very solid win from the back on a Heavy 10 track."
WATCH: Banish's win
Also stepping out at The Valley was Godolphin star Hartnell, who worked solo in preparation for Saturday week's Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Charles said the dual Group 1 winner had trained on since his first-up win in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) and would take further benefit from Tuesday's outing.
"It's a month between runs for him so it was a good opportunity for him to come away and gallop on a great surface and Moonee Valley are fantastic in allowing us to take up these opportunities," he said.
"We couldn't be happier with him and the way he's progressed and trained on so it will be an exciting race on the 16th of September."