Honest filly Clothilde broke through for her biggest race success in today’s feature event at Morphettville – the $100,000 Group 3 Lakewood Stud Stakes (1800m).

Prepared by former South Australian John Hawkes, the Danehill filly refused to give in and gave stable rider Darren Gauci back-to-back success in the race.

Clothilde hasn’t finished further back than fourth in top company this time in in Sydney, the latest when fourth behind subsequent AJC Oaks winner Republic Lass in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes. Despite that, though, the filly has had trouble breaking through.

"Her Sydney form was excellent but, realistically, she was a class two horse going into today’s race," a relieved foreman David Pannell said.

"She didn’t settle very well and tugged her way up to the lead but you could see she had something in reserve on the corner. She fought on very well."

Pannell said there was no reason the filly would not handle the step up to 2000m at her next assignment – the $250,000 Group 1 Schweppes Oaks at Victoria Park on May 4.

"The boss (John Hawkes) has always felt the 2500m would find her out but on what she did today you’d think she’d definitely run the 2000m. She’s done the job well today and added a stakes win to her pedigree."

Tully Thunder ran her usual honest race to finish second, while Allez France also battled on well for third after sharing the early lead.

Allez France, prepared by Gai Waterhouse, was having her first start beyond 1600m.

"She was never really allowed to settle but fought on strongly," travelling foreman Neville Auld said.

"Given she raced last week, had a two-day float trip and never got any peace in the run she’s done a great job. I’d have no doubt she’ll run out the 2000m of her next start."