Chatswood Stud’s spring carnival improved again when Melrose Place ran out a comprehensive winner of the LR Heritage Stakes (1200m) on Thursday.

Studmaster Greg Willis began Flemington’s four-day carnival with G1 Victorian Derby winner Polanski.  He is a son of deceased Chatswood sire Rakti.

Melrose Place is a daughter of Purrealist who began his stud career at Makybe before transferring to Chatswood last year.  “It’s a special win because I prepared her sire and dam,” trainer Danny O’Brien said.  “She has always shown ability but hasn’t had a lot of luck in a couple of her runs.”

Jockey Damien Oliver was also impressed with the filly.  “She was never out of second gear,” he said.  “As soon as she saw daylight, she was always going to win.”

Purrealist (Tale of the Cat) was a G3 winner of the Caulfield Guineas Prelude and stands at Chatswood for a $5,500 (inc gst) service fee.  He is also the sire of Group 1 stayer Hawkspur.

Melrose Place (3f Purrealist – Miss Mancini by Fasliyev) is a homebred for O’Brien’s wife Nina and the Heritage Stakes capped off a very successful carnival for the stable following their Cox Plate victory with Shamus Award.

Melrose Place has a 2yo brother by Purrealist and a yearling half-sister by Daliapour.  O’Brien bought her dam Miss Mancini at the 2005 Magic Millions National Sale for $25,000.  She only won a Bendigo maiden but has more than paid her way as a broodmare.

– Karl Patterson