Rosie ORielly was first up and led easily from Barrier 4. She held the lead and although Bamako Mali ( previously unbeaten in 5 starts ) seriously challenged her coming into the straight Rosie raced away to win by 14 metres in 1.56.5. last quarters 28.5 and 27.6.
Queen Of Pop and Artistic Angel contested the second heat. Artistic Angel worked hard early to find the lead , handed up to Soho Tokyo but the effort took its toll and she finished 6th. She will be a starter in next weeks $50,000 consolation.
Queen of Pop settled in the running line , pulled out three wide at the 600 and led up the 3 wide line. She gave the favourite Supasonic Miss the trail into the race , before being beaten into second place by that filly. This was a sound performance and both Rosie OReilly and Queen Of Pop head into the Group 1 Final next Sunday at Menangle.
The performance of the 3 fillies is a credit to their trainers ; Danny Thackeray and Gary Quinlan. The all important Barrier draw will be held on Tuesday. Both Rosie OReilly and Supasonic Miss remain unbeaten.