Raise The Flag unstoppable in Victoria

Courtesy of First Light Racing

Third time's usually a charm and for Flag Edition (Raise The Flag - Ears Carol) - her third win this season was another turning point in the 5yr-old mare's career.  

It was far from the glamorous finish that saw her street them at Pakenham last start, but the gutsy "grind it out" win up the inside at Werribee puts bigger things firmly on the radar for the half-sister to Sydney Cup winner and Melbourne Cup placegetter, Who Shot Thebarman (Yamanin Vital - Ears Carol) .

It was also her third win over the mile and trainer Michelle Payne said she was very proud of our girl 'Raisin'.

"When she was asked for the effort by Billy Egan she dug deep and put them away," Payne said.

"She's the most beautiful honest mare and I think she's going to just get better and better."

First Light Racing's Tim Wilson said the gritty win from the inside running showed maturity as a racehorse that we hadn't seen in her first prep.

"It wasn't the most glamorous win you'll see but the way she knuckled down and ground to the line certainly tells us she can win even when not everything goes her way."

"She didn't bounce back from her maiden win last prep but today was a very different story and we're pretty excited to step her up next start in a few weeks."

Michelle and the team will now set their sights on a BM70 over 2025m at Cranbourne Friday fortnight (May 22), before targeting the second half of the Banjo Patterson winter race series.

Flag Edition's victory at Werribee continued the incredible run of results for Raise The Flag in Victoria.

Wednesday's win was the sire's 3rd in the state for the week after both Ablaze and Riding High won at Warrnambool on Tuesday.

Flag Edition made it back to back wins after also winning at Pakenham at late last month.

She also continued the hot form of her dam, Carolingian mare, Ears Carol.

Flag Edition's half-brother, Ears The Barman (Ghibellines - Ears Carol) won at the same track two weeks prior.

Flag Edition was sold privately by White Robe Lodge to Payne and First Light Racing as a 2yr-old.

Ears The Barman was knocked down to Wylie Dalziel Racing and Moody Racing at the 2018 National Yearling Sales at Karaka.

The 3yr-old was then syndicated and placed in the Pakenham stable of Phillip Stokes.

Additional reporting by Jonny Turner