Spitfire Downs Opposition

It was an especially tough win recorded by Spitfire Lady at Flemington on Saturday, the tiny but talented mare stepping up to the mile for the first time and proving just too strong for her well credentialled rivals in the Rivette Series Final.

Always travelling well for Darren Gauci, the three-year-old looked to have the others covered a fair way from home and when challenged by favourite Ava's Delight she dug deep to win by a game long head.

The win was a special one for long-term stable client Rupert Legh who races Spitfire Lady with Liberato Petagna, Grant Devonport and the ARK Syndicate.

Legh named Spitfire Lady in honour of his English born mother Rosemary who flew Spitfire planes from the UK to European bases during World World II and it is apt that the horse named after her is such a tough one.

"The planes were unarmed and had no radio as she, and other women fliers, would deliver them into France and other places in Europe for the men," Legh said.

"She was a gun lady and had a real crack."

A bargain $30,000 purchase at the Melbourne Premier Sale, Spitfire Lady was not widely sought after during to her petite size. She does however own an excellent pedigree being a daughter of Hussonet and Ballymore's Gr.3 Doomben Classic winner Galroof - also dam of the stakes winners Pinnacles and Sabrage.