Memories of former champion South Australian harness identity Kevin Brook were to the fore after the win of Miss Mappinga in the Sky Racing Two-Year-Old Fillies Southern Cross heat two (1800m) at Globe Derby Park.
Miss Mappinga was bred and is part-owned by David Brook, son of the harness legend.
“Dad actually picked out the dam Mappinga Moonshine at a yearling sale when he was judging the best conformed,” Brook said.
Brook was a champion driver and trainer in South Australia and won the 1969 Inter Dominion at Wayville on Richmond Lass. He passed away 5-1/2 years ago.
“My partner Shan (Larsen) and myself bought the filly and she was more than useful on the racetrack.
“She ran fourth in the two-year-old fillies Southern Cross final, then was beaten two metres when second to Endeared in the three-year-old fillies Southern Cross final.”
Brook said Mappinga Moonshine had just the two foals to race, Gotango, a multiple winner and now Miss Mappinga. She is now in foal again to Mr Feelgood, the sire of Miss Mappinga.
At race debut on Saturday, Miss Mappinga ($2.80), trained by Ray Holberton and driven by Ryan Hryhorec, led throughout to score a 5-1/2 metre win from Rainbow Styling ($4.20) with Ellen Louise ($2.10 fav), a stablemate of the winner, eight metres away third.
The filly coasted in front with 30.6 and 31.2 first quarters before sprinting home in 29.9 and 29.6 for a comfortable victory.
Trainer Ray Holberton wasn’t surprised by the win.
“She has shown promise from the time she came into work,” Holberton said.
“She had trialled well for tonight but I have to admit I didn’t think she would lead throughout.
“I thought Ellen Louise would be able to head her off but it didn’t pan out and had to sit parked.
“Ellen Louise missed a little bit of work with a cut leg and will be improved by tonight’s run.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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