There are a lot of things to like about Dashing Slay, especially after a remarkable victory on Thursday night at Sandown Park in a heat of the Group 1 Sapphire Crown (515m).

Dashing Slay proved her class against one of the sports best females in the past 12 months – leading Lakeview Emily with a remarkable 4.98 second first split. Holding Lakeview Emily out by close to three lengths to win in a best of the night 29.01 seconds.

"Her run in the heats was great," trainer Kayla Cottrell said.

"She hasn't put a foot wrong since we got her. She is so professional, especially considering she is only a baby learning her craft."

Dashing Slay (4) upstages Lakeview Emily (1) in a heat of the Sapphire Crown in a best of the night 29.01 seconds.

Dashing Slay is the youngest and least experienced of the 2025 Sapphire Crown field having only just turned two, with 11 starts (seven wins and three minor placings) to her name.

Dashing Slay shot fame in her home state of South Australia whilst in the care of her owner and breeder Gavin Harris.

"Dad pulled me aside and told me to watch her races because he thought she had a lot of ability," Cottrell said.

"Dad got on the phone to Gavin before she broke 30 at Angle Park to ask if she could come over for the Launching Pad."

Dashing Slay didn't just come over for the Launching Pad, she dominated the series putting serious time on the board and coming away with her first group race victory. Dashing Slay now has a picket fence form line of five wins, heading into the Group 1 Sapphire Crown where she has drawn box three.

"I am really happy with the box daw because she likes to use a little bit of the track," Cottrell said.

"She has pulled up super and walked off the track with ease."

"It's Slay's world and I'm just living in it."