Girl to take on the boys
From Ozeform 24/08/02

Innovation Girl, who so impressively won the Listed Quezette Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, is likely to run next against the colts and geldings in the Group 2 $350,000 Ascot Vale Stakes (1200m) down the Flemington straight in a fortnight.

Trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith backed up the Rubiton filly from her win in last week's Crockett Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley and took the blinkers off for her Caulfield run.

Innovation Girl settled midfield and wide, then unleashed a brilliant burst to beat the improving Raven Protector and Brief Embrace, who also tracked wide.

Innovation Girl's time of 1.9.94 today for the 1200 metres was 0.16s faster than Delago Brom's time in winning the Vain Stakes.

When asked about tackling Bel Esprit in the Ascot Vale, Mayfield-Smith said: "I have great respect for Bel Esprit, but I have never been frightened of him."