2015 Schillaci Stakes result - Alpha Miss surprises

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Lankan Rupee set the early pace, racing alone wide out on the track with Craig Williams parking Alpha Miss in behind.

Lankan Rupee was clear around the home turn but soon came under pressure, Alpha Miss ($7.50) accelerating into the lead 100m out to defeat Cashed ($61) three-quarters of a length with the $1.50 favourite the same distance away third.

Alpha Miss, a former Sydneysider, was racing for the first time in 12 months and trainer Robert Smerdon was pleasantly surprised.

"She's impressed us since we've had her. She went to the trials at Cranbourne and Craig (Williams) was underwhelmed with her,” Smerdon said.

"Everything she's done since has been good and her work was pleasing us.”

Smerdon said he had targeted the race a while ago with the four-year-old daughter of Lucky Owners, who last raced when fourth behind First Seal in the Group II Tea Rose Stales at Randwick last September.

"We looked at this race and then realised Lankan Rupee was coming here and we had second thought's but she was going that well we thought we'd take our chance," Smerdon said.

"She had Lankan Rupee to take her into the race around the bend and when she straightened up she hit the line very well.”

Williams explained Alpha Miss had improved greatly in the past three weeks.

"Coming into the trials she wasn't going that well but Robert (Smerdon) was patient and you saw the result today,” Williams said

"When I let her down in the straight she was too good."

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