by Cody Winnell
Trainers Nicole Molander and Emma Stewart dominated last night’s Australian Pacing Gold two-year-old fillies’ heats at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Four heats of the rich series were contested and the two abovementioned women won all four.
Stewart produced Nostra Beach (Somebeachsomewhere-Amarillen) and Molly Kelly (Four Starzzz Shark-Jackie Kelly), while Molander’s successes came with Passions Delight (Bettors Delight-Passions Promise) and Saphirique (Bettors Delight-Sapphie Lil).
Passions Delight rated the quickest time of the night with a run of 1:56.0 to score by 6.2m over runner-up Im Monica (Eddie Tappe).
Driven by Gavin Lang, Passions Delight led and had to be in for the fight throughout as Amelias Courage (Kerryn Manning) poured on the pressure mid-race. It ensured a strong pace before Amelias Courage weakened to finish sixth beaten 16.1m.
Stewart-trained debutant Pistol Abbey (Alford) got into third place.
Saphirique produced the second-quickest mile rate for the heats, winning by 3.8m in 1:56.2.
The first leg of a winning double for Lang, the champion reinsman put Saphirique into the box seat when Our Chateau Lafite worked to the lead early for Daniel Jack.
Saphirique got the sprint lane in the straight to score by 3.8m over War Dan Bad Girl (Nathan Jack), who worked home solidly, with Our Chateau Lafite holding on for third beaten 8.6m.
Beautifully bred Nostra Beach hardly had to exit second gear to win her heat for the powerful Alford/Stewart combination, winning in a leisurely 1:59.8.
A half-sister to both Villagem and recent Victoria Oaks winner Miss Graceland, Nostra Beach cruised through middle splits of 32.9 and 31 before coasting home by 11.3m (28secs last quarter).
Early leader Miss Victoria finished second for Lance Justice, while Dixirosalie finished on well into third for Jason Lee.
Molly Kelly, a little sister of both Frith and Stening, gave Stewart/Alford another win in Race 8, rating 1:58.3 to score a half-head win over rank outsider Major Gait, who gave quaddie players a scare, hitting the lead in the straight before the favourite fought back along the inside.
Driven by Ron Wicks, Major Gait’s debut was superb. She’s one to follow.
Saucy Dreams led from the pole for David Druitt and held on for the minor podium place.
Albion Park in Queensland and Menangle in New South Wales will hold APG fillies’ heats on Tuesday before the semi-finals at Melton on April 28 and the final on May 6.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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