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Bloodstock owned import Noble Protector (GB) booked her ticket to Sydney for
the Group I ATC Queen of the Turf Stakes next month with a thoroughly dominant
win in the Group II MVRC Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
A stakes-winner in the UK at Newmarket last year and second to Group I star Contributer
(IRE) in the Group III MRC David Jones Cup during the spring in her first
Australian campaign, Noble Protector has always given the indication she was
well above average.
Prepared by Robert Smerdon, she was sent out favourite for this 1600 metre
feature and found the front quickly for Craig Williams before leading
throughout to win as she pleased.
"He (Williams) controlled the race from the front and it was a really good gallop," said
Smerdon.
"We're off to Sydney with here now for the Queen of the Turf (Group I) on April
11 and I'm sure she'll be competitive."
Noble Protector is a half-sister by Haafhd to German Group III winner All
Shamar from Group III placed All Glory, who comes from the extended family of Australian
stakes-winners Under the Eiffel and Tower of Lonhro.
With five wins and five placings from 13 starts and a Group II win beside her
name Noble Protector is fast on her way to becoming the best offspring for
Haafhd, with that honour currently held by Australian based import Junoob, who
lost the Group I ATC The Metropolitan as the result of a positive swab, but
remains a Group II winner of that ATC Hill Stakes.