Louth Park harness racing reinsman Brad Elder is looking forward to driving Shezlikeroyalty in the group 1 NSW Breeders Challenge series after her impressive first win at Newcastle on Saturday night.
Shezlikeroyalty ($11) cruised to an 11-metre win over stablemate Juslikeroyalty for trainer Darren Elder in the two-year-old pace to close the program.
The front-running win in 1:59:1 came after thirds at Maitland and Newcastle for the filly in her first two starts.
"She'll have to have a go at the Breeders Challenge, she's going good enough. She went like a rocket last night and got home in 28.2, which is pretty good for a two-year-old.
"I never pulled the plugs or touched her with the whip. She did that all herself."
The victory was part of a double for Brad, who was rewarded for an early move on Its Allabout Alice ($11) in a two-metre win in 1:55:3 for Maitland trainer Peter Neilson.
Elder sat the four-year-old mare behind the leader before stealing a break approaching the home turn.
"She's pretty cool to drive and she went pretty good last night," he said.
"We got a nice run and we were able to pop off in time and slip away before they could run me down.
"She's been racing really good lately. Last week she sat parked, which is not her go, and she still ran second."
"Last night was a pretty good trip and I thought I pretty much had it won with 800 to go and no one outside me."
Days End added to a good night for the Elders when he stormed home to win at $41 for trainer Melanie Elder.
Jack Callaghan drove Rolling With Stell and For The Bettor to wins. Mark Callaghan had a training double with For The Bettor and Guptas Cullen.
By Craig Kerry