Launceston trainer Brian Stanley landed the first blow of the Elderslie Horse Care Two-Year-Old Fillies Sweepstakes Series with A Spanish Dance (pictured) taking out the opening heat in Hobart on Friday night.
A Spanish Dance’s best performance going into the Sweepstakes was a third behind Brookwillrock in the Devonport Belmont, but she broke her maiden status with an impressive all-the-way win over 1609 metres.
“She has always shown me she’s had her share of ability, she’s no superstar but she’s honest and when she found the early lead my confidence level grew,” said Brian.
“The favourite Radiant Red ran the gate out wide and looked a chance of leading but Rod (Ashwood) is a naturally aggressive driver and was able to slip up underneath from gate three and find the pegs first, from there he rated her perfectly grabbing a cheap second section (33.2 seconds) which gave her plenty in reserve when the final challenges came.”
Brian bred the A Rocknroll Dance – Guernica filly and is looking to press on through the Sweepstakes and onto the Sires Stakes.
“There is another heat of the Sweepstakes next week but at this stage she will be staying at home as she has qualified for the final, she’s eligible for the Sires so she deserves her chance and I don’t want to overexert her as the two series are very close together,” said Brian.
“It appears a very even season in the fillies division, in the main whoever has been able to find the lead has gone on to win the race, A Spanish Rose capitalised on it in Hobart, hopefully luck can go her way again this season.”
The Robert Gillie prepared two-year-old Canbe Doc scored a promising debut victory in the Elderslie Horse Care Colts & Geldings Sweepstakes.
The Caribbean Blaster – Little Miss Doc gelding was sent out the popular pick and led comfortably from the mobile but came under enormous pressure over the concluding stages when headed down the home running by Karalta Courage.
Gareth Rattray got down to work with Canbe Doc and the youngster dug deep to regain the lead and score by 2 1/2-metres.
Shane Yates