Princess Coup confirmed her place as one of Australasia`s top racehorses and earned a crack at the Cox Plate following a brilliant win in the Group One Kelt Capital $2,000,000 Stakes (2040m) at Hastings in New Zealand today. Winning New Zealand`s highest regarded race for the second year in succession, Princess Coup sent her earnings soaring past $4.2 million.

The chestnut daughter of Encosta de Lago has been an incredible for owners John Bromley and Ray Coupland following her purchase by good friend David Ellis for $260,000 at the 2005 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

In the run to the line Princess Coup easily held out a gallant Red Ruler (Viking Ruler) by a length and a quarter while the second favourite Nom Du Jeu (Montjeu) was third, a further short neck back.

Boundless, the reigning New Zealand Oaks winner, was the best of the unplaced brigade in fourth position, another short neck from the third placegetter.

Princess Coup, who scored a thrilling come from behind win in last year`s edition of the Kelt, will have her next run in the $3.1 million WS Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25.

"It was a big effort," Walker beamed after the race. "She`s a class mare."

"It`s just so good," the delighted trainer added.

Winning rider Opie Bosson was all smiles after weighing in on the mare who paid $2.20 for a win on the NZ TAB.

"It`s very satisfying," Bosson reported. "It`s just unbelievable."

"She appeared to hit a bit of a flat spot, but when Red Ruler went around her, I gave her a couple of back handers, and she took off."

Part owner and one of New Zealand racing`s biggest supporters Ray Coupland, was almost speechless after the big race.

Coupland was back on the track today after a recent heart operation.

"I`m very emotional," Coupland beamed. "Racing is an amazing game. It does things that nothing else does."

"John (Bromley, part owner) and I are so lucky. Come on the Cox Plate now!"

"She`s earned a crack at (Cox Plate favourite) Weekend Hussler now."

"Weekend Hussler is a champion. But I think she (Princess Coup) is a champion as well - we`ll just wait and seem," Coupland summed up.

Fellow part owner John Bromley was thrilled with the victory and said he was now looking forward to the Cox Plate.

"I`m more excited than I was last year," Bromley said. "It`s absolutely huge."

"It`s a dream. I`m just blown away."

"This horse is underestimated," Bromley added.

Princess Coup was sent out the hot favourite in the Kelt Capital Stakes after winning the Group One Stoney Bridge Stakes (1600m) a fortnight ago.

The mare - a Group Two winner in Australia - has also placed in a Caulfield Cup, Australian Cup, Ranvet Stakes and BMW across the Tasman.

She is attempting to be the first New Zealand trained horse to win the Cox Plate since the mighty Sunline won the race for the second year running in 2000.

Princess Coup, by Coolmore Stud`s champion sire Encosta de Lago, is from the multiple Sydney stakes winning Sovereign Red mare Stoneyfell Road.

She was bred by South Australians - Mark Kelly and Brenton Wise.