There was an impressive winner in the Donald Classic for two-year-olds last Saturday in talented Warrnambool filly Guerite.
The Lindsey Smith-trained $3.30 favourite was slow into stride from the 1200-metre start but quickly whipped around the field, settling outside the lead before hitting the front at the 250-metre mark. 
Jockey Fred Kersley had a job just to stay in the saddle from there, the Shamus Award filly ducking in badly at the 200-metre marker and almost losing balance before straightening up to run away and win by 2¾ lengths. 
Guerite was runner-up from the rear on debut at Warrnambool behind (another) all-the-way winner there, and the intention to be up on speed was evident in the early stages of the race. 
She looks to have her share of ability and is worth following into her three-year-old season. 
Of her rivals, Ballarat pair Macocha and Vino Grande, for trainers Henry Dwyer and Archie Alexander respectively, made good ground from the back and can be followed next time at the races.
Prize on the rise 
Dane Smith’s consistent mare Take The Prize was touted as one of the better chances on the Donald card and didn’t disappoint punters, the four-year-old leading from barrier to box in 0-58 company over 1350 metres. 
The daughter of Bon Hoffa settled a clear leader before Timbolton ($10) moved up to her outside at the 600-metre mark to eyeball the even-money favourite. 
Jockey Brad Rawiller was having none of it though, allowing his mare to extend at the 400-metre mark and opening up a race-winning lead soon after. 
Her rivals were fighting out the minor money by the 200-metre mark, the Stawell-based galloper streaking away for a soft four-length win. 
Take The Prize has finished top-three in her past nine starts — winning twice — and it will be no surprise to see her back up on her home deck at Stawell on Monday, where she will surely prove hard to toss again.