by Graham Fischer
Talented mare Gallifrey Mystique scored the biggest of her career at Globe Derby Park on Saturday when she came with a dazzling sprint to land the 2017 Trotsguide.Com.Au Country Graduation Series final (2230m).
However, punters who took the $1.80 quote about the favourite, might have had their hearts in their mouths midrace when the mare was three back on the inside and in danger of not getting a clear run.
Driver Aaron Bain, who is the co-trainer with Jake Webster, looked to come away from the inside going into the back straight the final time and had some luck when Clarenden Daydream, which was outside her, struck a wheel and became unbalanced leaving room to get clear.
Gallifrey Mystique still had work to do coming off the back straight as the leaders recorded a 28.5-second third quarter but she sprinted up strongly in the home straight to grab the leaders and score a three-metre win.
Smiling Crest ($10.70), which had raced outside the lead for most of the race, held on for a game second, 3-1/2 metres ahead of Hilltop Sophia ($14.70).
Bain said he had taken a gamble early from gate eight, the inside of the second row, when he pushed through to trail Hilltop Sophia which had gate one.
“I have driven Hilltop Sophia quite often and thought she might be able to hold the lead and thought I could come through on the sprint lane,” Bain said.
“When Sheluvsme ($4) crossed from two and led and put me three back on the fence I had to go to Plan B.
“I just had to look to get away from the inside and going into the back I tried to come out and that is when Clarenden Daydream contacted my sulky and went off stride and I found the room to get off.
“She sprinted strongly and really is a top mare with a wonderful will-to-win.”
Gallifrey Mystique came into the Webster-Bain stable in April last year and in 18 starts has won 12 races with two seconds and two thirds and has taken her stakes past $45,000.
Bain said the four-year-old mare had leg issues which meant she had to be handled carefully.
“At the moment, we seem to be on top of her issues and she really is the star of our stable.
“She continues to improve and has won five in a row now. She also is versatile and can race anywhere and goes for everyone and has had six different winning drivers.”
Bain believes Gallifrey Mystique is going well enough to head interstate and try and pick up an M1.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
