Ridden for the first time by James McDonald, Catkins flew the barriers and parked up alongside the pacesetting Any Day Will Do.
She dropped the $26 chance when turning for home and strode purposely to the front. All eyes went back in to the field for a challenge to eventuate. None did and McDonald spent little energy over the final 200 metres as the gallant grey put a margin of one and three-quarter lengths over Armanpour (Northern Meteor) with Gypsy Diamond (Not a Single Doubt) a long-neck back in third. (photos Lisa Grimm)
It was the eighth win from 14 starts on her home track and she has only been off the board twice.
The 5yo daughter of Dubawi (IRE) moves her overall record to 15 wins, 7 seconds and 4 thirds from 31 starts for earnings of $1,684,310.
Trainer Chris Waller said the decision now is to target either the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) against her own sex or the All Aged Stakes (1400m) in a search for an elusive first Group 1.
"Sure we've got the Group 1 box to tick but she's done everything else, simple as that" Waller said.
"She'll get her opportunity, probably in The Queen Of The Turf or the All Aged Stakes.
"She's not finished yet, she'll have more races after that.
"The 1400m suits her better instead of the tough Randwick mile.
"In saying that she's never been in better form.
"In the All Aged she'll be against the boys and in the Queen Of The Turf the girls, so it depends what we're up against.
"The firm favourite is the Queen Of The Turf, it's part of the Championships day and worth $1 million, it's just extending her distance range and hoping she can do it."
McDonald was effusive in his praise for Catkins.
"It's just a privilege to be asked to ride this glamour mare," McDonald said.
"Just an awesome mare and it's just a real privilege and honour to sit on top of this magnificent animal.
"I don't have any words to describe her. She's just an absolute superstar. I really hope she gets that Group 1, I reckon they should leave me on her"
Consigned to the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale by Amarina Farm, Catkins was knocked down to Ingham Racing for $85,000. She is the second foal of the Catbird mare Salix Caprea a half-sister to six winners including the SAJC Classic Mile (LR) winner Rally (Desert Style).
Salix Caprea has an unraced 2yo colt by Husson (ARG) named Kilmarnock and a colt foal by Poets Voice (IRE). She was bred back to Sepoy last spring.
