SUSSEX DUCHESS RESUMES WITH A WIN

Four-year-old Hellbent mare Sussex Duchess has returned in terrific order this preparation, resuming to break her maiden in the Ladbrokes Form Genius Maiden Plate (1112m) at Geelong.

Having finished outside the placings on just two occasions earlier in her career, the mare has consistently hinted that a breakthrough victory was close at hand. It was pleasing to see her take that next step here, shedding her maiden status with an authoritative two-length success.

Ridden by J. M. Allen, Sussex Duchess began cleanly and settled in third, enjoying an ideal run in transit. Eased into the clear approaching the home turn, she was angled towards the centre of the track before producing a decisive turn of foot. Lengthening strongly over the closing stages, she powered clear to score convincingly.

It was a polished performance from a mare who appears to have returned bigger and stronger this time in, and one that suggests there may be further improvement to come.