Riptide continued Contract Racing’s fine form in the juvenile division this year with an impressive victory in the Bruce Gadsden Hcp (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Riptide (2f Exceed and Excel – River Express by Blazing Sword) was sent out a $3.40 second elect after a close second at Cranbourne last start and she ploughed through the heavy conditions to score by just under a length.

Ben Melham, who picked up the ride on Riptide with Luke Nolen riding at Eagle Farm, was more than impressed with the filly’s victory. “She was too fit, too strong and too good,” Melham said.  “They didn’t go all that hard in front and we were able to control the race from where we were.”

Riptide is by Darley sire Exceed and Excel from River Express who is a half sister to Contract Racing’s G1 MRC Oakleigh Plate winner River Dove (Hurricane Sky).  Her Flemington winner is a half-sister to Listed winner Cross Current (Keltrice) and the dam of G2 Magic Night Stakes winner Willow Creek (Tale of the Cat).).

Contract Racing’s David Moodie was overcome with joy earlier this year when Crystal Lily won the Golden Slipper.  The Stratum filly is back in light work in preparation for a spring campaign aimed at the G1 Thousand Guineas (1600m).