Princess Talise, conditioned by Lawrence Freemantle, pulled off a mild upset in the Orient Express Trophy on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

With jockey Dane Dawkins at the helm, the four-year-old bay filly staged a noticeable comeback, surging from behind to claim victory by 2 ¾ lengths in the 7 ½ furlong (1,500m) event.

The Optional Claiming ($550,000-$450,000) contest for three-year-olds and upward saw Princess Talise defy expectations, dominating rivals with a strong finish. The winning time was of 1:38.1 (25.3 x 50.0 x 1:17.4 x 1:31.2). The race also included native-bred five-year-old and upward (non-winners of four) and imported five-year-old and upward (non-winners of three).

As the gates opened, Power of Faith (Victor Sanchez) seized the lead, with Sheboom (Roger Hewitt) and Pro Johnny (Phillip Parchment) hot on her heels. Princess Talise, meanwhile, settled into a comfortable fifth, biding her time. As the field approached the half-mile (800m) turn, Princess Talise still lagged behind, but Dawkins’ patience was about to pay off.

Entering the straight, Princess Talise began her charge, weaving through traffic and surrounding rivals in deep stretch. With a burst of speed she surged to the front, crossing the wire 2 ¾ lengths ahead of Nala’s Bushman (Matthew Bennett) and
Premier Identity (Tevin Foster).