13 July 2015
by Cody Winnell
The trip from Tasmania to Victoria paid off for trainer Grant Hodges last Friday night at Tabcorp Park Melton after his impressive mare El Jays Magic won the Harness Breeders Victoria Jane Ellen over 2240 metres.
Driven by diminutive reinswoman Erin Hollaway, El Jays Magic never relinquished the lead after coming out of barrier one to dash home by 5.5m in a 1:56.3 mile rate – the quickest of the night over the trip.
“She’s pulled up good from the run. I’ve left her there (at Phil Chircop’s property in Parwan) and nominated her for the M1-M2on Friday,” Hodges said.
“It’s a preferential barrier draw on class/sex over the short trip, so she should draw handy.”
Jogging through the first quarter in 31.1secs after a 45.3secs lead time – one second quicker than average at the track – El Jays Magic was clicked up from the 1200m with three 28.5secs closing sectionals, covering her final 1200m in 1min 25.5secs.
Courageousnquick finished second and Bellas Delight third.
El Jays Magic is by US sire Jr Mint out of Time Stands Still mare El Jays Belle.
“I’m very pleased,” said Hodges, who also produced Clamorous to run second in the second heat of the Soho Standardbreds Winter Championship at Melton.
Clamorous worked forward early to find the chair outside Mister Mundaka, who led from gate seven in the 1720m race.
Mister Mundaka ($1.50 race favourite) ambled through the first half in 60.9secs and ran his final 800m in 56secs for driver Kate Gath, Clamorous sitting outside throughout and fighting on strongly under hard driving.
“He stuck to his guns really well,” Hodges said.
“He hasn’t had to race tough like that and he showed us that there are a few more strings to his bow now.”
Clamorous also remains in Victoria and will contest the $25,275 Winter Championship Final this Friday night.
VIDEO: El Jays Magic blasts her rivals away in the HBV Jane Ellen
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