Last Saturday night’s Sapling Stake at Globe Derby proved to be a Bain family affair.
The time-honoured feature was captured by promising filly Hilltop Sophia, which is prepared astute horseman Peter Bain.
Driven by Bain’s son, Aaron, Hilltop Sophia is owned by the trainer’s mother, Val.
“It was a nice win for the whole family to be involved in,” Bain declared. “She is a nice little filly and it made for a good night out.”
Settled two-back along the pegs as the field raced in ‘Indian file’, Hilltop Sophia gained a one-one trip at the bell as Dont Tell Linda was moved to the ‘death seat’.
Forced three-wide along the back straight, the daughter of Rocknroll Hanover sustained a strong sprint to complete an eye-catching win from Queen Of Sharkz and Tyrion.
“She is a pretty nice filly,” Bain said. “That’s two wins and three placings from five starts, so you can’t ask for much more than that.
“With the trip she got she was always going to be hard to hold out and she finished it off as you’d expect.”
Covering the last half in 59.4 seconds, the two-year-old rated 2:01.7 for the 1800 metres.
Set to enjoy “a week to 10 days off”, Hilltop Sophia has been aimed at several features, including the Southern Cross and Vicbred Super Series.
“There are plenty of options for her before the end of the season, including the Golden Nursery,” Bain said.
“That said, I don’t want to over race her, so I will keep her fresh where I can.
“She will have a week to 10 days off now, then I’ll get her going again.”
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PAUL COURTS