Palacio De Cristal, who missed running in today's VRC Oaks, will be set for the Sydney equivalent after a brilliant win in the $101,500 The Moet & Chandon (1700m) at Flemington.

An attractive chestnut daughter of Coolmore Stud's Encosta de Lago, Palacio De Cristal was able to get out of a pocket in the straight and charge home, cruising away from her rivals in a stunning performance.

The promising staying prospect was originally aimed at the Victoria Oaks on today's card, but missed running the Victorian classic after a couple of minor, but time costly, setbacks.

For trainer Grahame Begg the win made it a perfect 100 per cent trip - his only other horse in Melbourne being the Derby Day winner All Silent.

"I've only got the two horses down here (in Melbourne)," Begg commented. "To have both win is just fantastic."

"She's a promising filly," he said of Palacio De Cristal.

"She let down great."

"She looks to have a nice future.  I'm really glad she has learned to switch off in a race."

"Last start we ran her in a mile race at Randwick and she got back on what was a leaders biased track that day and she made nice ground."

When the line was reached Palacio De Cristal ($8-$9.50) held a widening length and a quarter margin over Sheikh Mohammed's representative Purple ($4.60-$6-$5.50).

Filling third place was another Sydney visitor Sacred Choice ($26-$41) - an Anthony Cummings prepared prospect who won't be a maiden much longer.

The easing favourite Mine Game ($3.50-$3.80 fav) was the next home in fourth place - a tick over seven lengths from the winner.

"We planned to run her in the Oaks today," Begg said of the winner.

"But she had a bit of a setback in her preparation."

"She ran back in August and then she had a couple of niggling problems and it ended up seven weeks between runs."

"But we thought we'd still bring her down for some experience and to season her up for next year."

"She'll go out for a break now. I think whatever she does now she will certainly do on next year."

"The AJC Oaks will definitely be on the agenda for her," he said.

Palacio De Cristal, by one of the carnival's star sires Encosta de Lago, is one of six winners from six runners for the top performed and bred mare Crystal Palace.

A daughter of Palace Music, Crystal Palace won two Group races during her career, headlined by the Queensland Oaks at Group One level.

She is also a full sister to the former champion racehorse - three time Group One winner and Japan Cup runner-up - Naturalism.

"She's a well bred filly who looks to have a good future," Begg commented.

Palacio De Cristal was bred and is raced by Baramul Stud owner, Harvey Norman chief and Magic Millions director Gerry Harvey.

"He's only ever had one other horse with me," Begg said. "It's great to have a promising one for him."

"She's got a wonderful pedigree and with a big of luck we can win a stakes race with her and boost her value."

PICS - Quentin Lang.

© Cyberhorse 2010 Greg Irvine Published 06/11/08

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