While Art Critic had little luck going into Fridays big race for the fillies and mares at Addington Raceway, there was a real confidence in the camp when she came up with the ace draw for the 1950m.
She was able to leave the gate on terms with the field, but John Dunn made an early call to hand up the lead to second favourite Lovetodream.
With 1400m to go, Dexter Dunn came with a searching run with Lightning Mach to take the lead, but there was no panic from John who realised with the hot pace the gaps would come.
In what was a race defining move, he was able to push off the rail at the 850m, shunting breeze horse Tintinara wider and allowing Art Critic to apply pressure to the leader.
As they turned for home she quickly surged to the front and under John's urgings, she went to the line strongly to win by a length in 2.20.7 for the 1950m, a mile rate of 1.56, home in 800m 56.5 and 400m 29.1.
Owned by Studholme Bloodstock and the McDonald Racing Syndicate Limited, Art Critic has always looked a mare headed for better things.
However, in her first three starts this campaign she was bereft of any real luck.
That was until yesterday when having made her own luck she was able to head home a very good field, with New Years Jay rattling home from the back for second and Happy Heidi putting in one of her late runs for third.
Yesterday's win was the 4th from 19 starts for the lighly raced Art Major mare.
She appeals as a horse that will only get better with age and it will be no surprise to see her tackling the top mares races at some point.
Robert Dunn Racing Stables – Check site here