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The front-running Kiwi-bred mare broke the hearts of her rivals under a daring Declan Bates ride to claim the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) on Derby Day at Flemington, ahead of fellow Kiwi mares Atishu and Life Lessons.

Despite the last-minute defection of Skew Wiff, New Zealand maintained a strong influence on Saturday’s A$300,000 Gr.2 Furphy Rose of Kingston Stakes (1400m) at Flemington thanks to a determined victory by Kiwi-bred mare Life Lessons.

Sent out as one of the day’s hottest favourites right across Australasia, Kiwi-bred gelding Detonator Jack scored in style at Sandown on Saturday.

Trainer Peter Moody is contemplating the prospect of black type after New Zealand-bred mare Life Lessons completed a hat-trick of wins at Sandown.