Octavia Cockram Bound

It was a much deserved victory for consistent and classy filly Octavia in the Daniel McMillian Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday - the three-year-old having been a close-up and somewhat unlucky second at both of her previous runs this campaign.

Taking the lead in the 1200m event, Octavia travelled sweetly for apprentices Kayla Nisbet and was never going to lose - kicking clear early in the straight to win by a soft 3 1/2 lengths.

"Kayla allowed her get a few cheap sectionals out in front," a pleased Michael Moroney said, adding that he was happy that the young jockey showed patience in not letting the filly go too soon.

"When she did ask her to accelerate," he said, "the filly really sprinted quickly."

Already a stakes winner - taking out the Listed Kevin Hayes Stakes at Caulfield back in February, Octavia will now be aimed towards next month's Group 3 Cockram Stakes at the same track.

"It will be a tough race," Moroney conceded - noting that such classy mares as Commanding Jewel and her sister Atlantic Jewel may also line up - "but she's a specialist at the trip and track."