Our Mischievious Miss, a mare not ready to be a mum, returned to the winning list at Globe Derby Park in the Kalleske Chaff Pace (1800m).
A $15.60 chance, Our Mischievious Miss showed dazzling speed to cross from gate seven and led throughout to score a half head win from Modern Chic ($2.50 fav) with Dougs Courage ($5) five metres away third.
Trainer Heather Stevens toyed for many months whether to send the six-year-old mare to stud at the end of last year because she was in great form winning seven races and running fast times.
“We tried three times to get her in foal but without success so we returned her to racing,” Stevens said.
“Dave (part-owner David Borrett has to be given a lot of the credit for tonight’s win.
“He was convinced she could lead despite having to come from the outside of the front row, Wayne (driver Wayne Hill) wasn’t sure but thought maybe, while I didn’t think she had any chance but Dave was right.”
Hill, who bought up a double having scored earlier with Linvel Ann, was vigorous on Our Mischievious Miss from gate release and the mare accelerated brilliantly to be in front going out of the straight and once in front controlled the race beautifully.
After the early dash, Hill was able to get away with very comfortable 32.5 and 32.2 first quarters before the pressure went on and she was able to come home in 28.4 and 29.0 to score narrowly.
The runner-up Modern Chic has been a good pick up by trainer Rob Caruso and did a tough job to finish second.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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