The Gr 3 Champagne Stakes has been known to throw up its fair share of upsets over the years and 18/1 shot Northern Heritage (SAF) continued that trend as she cut through the field to win this 1200m contest for fillies and mares at Kenilworth on Saturday. Kwitizina (SAF) stayed on well for second, ahead of Daintree Dancer (AUS) and favourite Comtess Du Bois (SAF).

Kwitizina was quickly into stride and showed the way early on with Comtesse Du Bois also in the vanguard. Captain's Emblem and Jolly Poppins were also prominent with Daintree Dancer in midfield and Northern Heritage sitting at the rear.

Kwitizina continued to roll up front and shook off Comtesse Du Bois entering the last furlong, going a length or so clear. However, Northern Heritage had started to motor up the inside rail and she burst through in the closing stages to win with some authority, having been given a very confident ride by Brandon Morgenrood. Kwitizina held on gamely for a clear-cut second place as Daintree Dancer charged through late up the outside of the pack to snatch third from Comtesse Du Bois.

Form students were entitled to feel a bit bemused at the result, as the winner's recent efforts didn't suggest she would be able to put away this field with such ease, especially at weight-for-age terms. However, there was no doubting her superiority on the day, with Morgenrood even able to ease her up as they crossed the line.

This was a fourth win from 13 starts for the Mike Bass-trained 4-year-old Bred by her owner Like Bailes, she  is a daughter of Western Winter, out of the Royal Chalice mare Supreme Duel.