Craig Williams and Exhilarates (Image: Racing Photos)
Godolphin filly Exhilarates may have set herself up for a shot at open company in the Group 1 Moir Stakes at The Valley in three weeks.
The Quezette Stakes winner of last month showed her quality when she ran down the leader Sassy Salitage in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes over 1200 metres after settling much closer to the speed than she did first-up at Caulfield.
Jockey Craig Williams explained after the race that he needed to be closer in the run if January's Magic Millions Classic winner was to win again.
"There's no doubt that the way the track is playing, everyone is riding their horses differently and that's why you found me in front early because there was no pressure," Williams explained.
"Everyone wants to be stalking rather than making it all (in front).
"Lucky for me, I am on the best horse. She's just a little dynamo."
Exhilarates was sent out the $1.95 favourite and she had a three-quarters-of-a-length margin on the line over Sassy Salitage ($4.60), with a length further back to outsider St Edward's Crown ($31) in third place.
Williams conceded the Moir Stakes had been spoken about for the flying daughter of Snitzel as she is unknown over further than 1200m.
"Early she was quite aggressive, so it will be interesting to see where they go with her," he said.
The Moir Stakes over 1000m is run on AFL Grand Final Eve on September 27.
WATCH: Exhilarates' win