Bilateral (SAF) caused a 50/1 shock as she flew up late to edge out favourite Alboran Sea (AUS) in the Gr 1 Golden Slipper over 1400m at Greyville on Saturday. Pine Princess (SAF) and Flame Cat (SAF) completed the quartet.

Eros's Girl was soon in front, showing the way from Balkan and Pine Princess, who jumped from a very wide draw. Alboran Sea lost ground at the start but recovered to race in fourth, on the fence, ahead of Flame Cat, Littleblacknumber and Rich Girl, with Seven Grand and Love To Sail further back.

Eros's Girl was soon swallowed up by the chasing back in the straight, with Balkan taking over and kicking a few lengths clear. Her effort was short-lived, however, as Alboran Sea kicked into top gear with her stablemate Pine Princess looking the main danger.

Alboran Sea looked to have done enough inside the last furlong but Bilateral, who was unsighted during the early exchanges, appeared from nowhere and produced a tremendous finishing run up the inside. It looked like the line might come in time for the favourite but punters' hopes were dashed as Bilateral lunged on the line to get the verdict.

With only one win to show from five starts, Bilateral had not shown any group race potential in terms of her bare form, but has clearly been improving at a rate of knots. The sustained finished that she was able to produce here was most encouraging and trainer Weiho Marwing will have big plans for her from here on, especially over a bit more ground.

Alboran Sea cost herself at the start while Pine Princess ran a blinder from a hopeless draw. Flame Cat is as game as they come and will find easier opportunities than this to notch up her next win.

2 b f Lateral (GB) - Buccellati by Secret Prospector (USA)
Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Dr W A & Mrs N Jacobs)
Bred by Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd
Winning trainer: Weiho Marwing