True Self, Nature Strip Win Stakes at Flemington

Willie Mullins toasted a first winner in Australia at Flemington on Saturday as True Self breezed to victory in the AU$300,000 (US$205,861) Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The six-year-old mare was part leased by OTI Racing for the Spring Carnival and earned connections, including Three Mile House Partnership, a AU$200,000 (US$137,240) bonus for winning a consolation race after missing out on running in the Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1).

Ryan Moore's mount cruised into contention and asserted under a hands-and-heels ride to score by 1 1/2 lengths.

True Self was Mullins' 12th runner in Australia, where he has saddled Melbourne Cup second and third Max Dynamite and fourth Simenon this decade.

Mullins said: "She was a little unlucky in the Geelong Cup and if she'd have won that she would have got in the Melbourne Cup but I'd much rather have a winner than finishing fifth or sixth in the Melbourne Cup.

"She's amazing and still improving."

The Dec. 8 Hong Kong Vase (G1) at Sha Tin is a possible next aim for True Self, for which she was shortened to 6-1 (from 11) with bet365, with Mullins contemplating a tilt at Australia's biggest race next year.

Mullins said: "I'd like to aim her at the Melbourne Cup next year, but the jockeys that ride her feel she could drop in trip rather than go up.

"She's confounded us from the very beginning as she was bought as a jumping mare and I couldn't believe the size of her when she arrived. She's proved to be incredible and a little bit of a freak."

One of the OTI Racing shareholders is Andrew Gemmell, owner of Stayers' Hurdle star Paisley Park, and True Self's victory ensured a particularly special visit for the Australian Open regular.

Gemmell said: "It's great to come here and to have a winner is a real bonus.

"It's the thrill and excitement of it all. I've always loved coming here and have been doing so for years."

Nature Strip could be joining stablemate and fellow star sprinter Yes Yes Yes at Royal Ascot after blazing a trail to land the AU$2 million (US $1.37 million) Darley Sprint Classic.

The Chris Waller-trained 5-year-old, formerly trained by the banned Darren Weir, won by 3 1/4 lengths under James McDonald.

Waller said: "We've been fortunate to take over a very fast horse and we've added a little fine tuning.

"I know the team are pretty keen to get to Royal Ascot but I'm sure there will be some more races before then."

James Doyle returned to the winner's enclosure at Rosehill after victory aboard the Waller-trained Humbolt Current in the BM78 Handicap.