By Adam Hamilton
Buzz Aussie juvenile filly My Sweetchilliphilly made almost as many waves in NZ as she did in Australia with her stunning Bathurst Gold Tiara win last weekend.
Lots of Kiwis tuned-up given Tim Butt’s filly Lady Chatto was backed into favouritism, but no matched for the juggernaut that is My Sweetchilliphilly.
One of those Kiwis watching closely, but for a variety of reasons, was Harness Racing NZ’s Darrin Williams, the man who drives the Aussie invites to the Harness Jewels.
Like everyone else, Williams was mightily impressed.
“That’s one of the most impressives runs by a two-year-old filly you would ever see,” he said.
“Of course we’d love to see her at the Jewels. I’ve already spoken to Shane (Tritton, co-trainer) and will stay in touch.
“She’s tough and super quick. She looks ideal for a mile at Ashburton where, given the time she ran at Bathurst, she would clearly be capable of breaking the NZ record 1min53.3sec held by Dream About Me.
“I’ve also got to say Shane and Lauren (Tritton) are terrific to deal with and always helpful with media and functions when here in NZ.”
Tritton said the final call on an NZ trip would rest with the filly’s owners.
“Her next run is the Pink Bonnet on Saturday week where she’ll run into Lady Chatto again,” he said.
“After that we’ll have to decide whether we give her a break with a view to the Breeders Crown or go to NZ.
“It’s a big call whether we do something like NZ with her because we think she’s a bit special and will be an Oaks filly next season and then a Ladyship Mile mare in future.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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