Flemington: Ferlax upsets Australian Guineas

Ferlax, a 16-1 outsider who was unbeaten in three starts at minor racecourses, pulled an upset in Saturday’s $515,000 Australian Guineas at Flemington Racecourse.

But the race did not live up to expectations after All Too Hard, a half-brother to the unbeaten star sprinter Black Caviar, was scratched because of an elevated temperature.

Ferlax made his Group 1 debut in the Australian Guineas over about a mile and won by a half-length over the New Zealand-bred You’re So Good after stalking the early pace. Sheer Talent, an 8-1 shot, was third in the field of 15. Ajeeb, who inherited the role of favorite after the withdrawal of All Too Hard, finished seventh as a 5-1 chance.

Ferlax won races at Echuca, Benalla, and Sale racecourses from late November to mid-February. A colt by Pentire, Ferlax was ridden by Stephen Baster for trainer Jim Conlan in the Australian Guineas.