Classy Queensland filly Get In The Groove looks set for another busy harness racing season ahead.
The Mach Three – Get Happy filly proved her class during her rookie season resulting in a victory in the Gr.2 $50,000 QBRED Breeders Classic Final before bad luck marred the remainder of her term.
The Grant Dixon prepared youngster was badly checked in the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Final which ultimately unseated driver Trista Dixon before venturing south to Melbourne for the Australasian Breeders Crown series.
A stylish semi-final victory paved the way for the final but that’s where her luck ended because the final was dominated by the freakish New Zealand filly Our Dream About Me.
Get In The Groove ended her maiden season of racing with a 4th placing in the $288,000 final.
But now she’s back and ready to go following two recent trial victories at her home track of Albion Park.
“We gave her a good break following the Melbourne campaign and she thrived during her time away from the track, she’s always been a big girl and now she’s been able to grow into her frame which augers well for the future. I’m happy with how she’s coming along and the trials were definitely required, she had a good blow after both hit-outs.” Dixon said.
Get In The Groove came from behind and used the passing lane to win her first trial on December 8 at Albion Park before leading throughout yesterday (Tuesday) in much quicker time.
The big striding filly only rated 2:01.4 with a final quarter of 28.5 seconds in that initial trial but rolled along in a time of 1:57.4 with the final half covered in 57.3 seconds in her latest public showing.
“It was a nice trial and she proved she’s ready to go again, her warm-up was good and she felt comfortable in front while rolling along by herself but quickened when required. The runner-up (Georgia Grace) is a proven feature race winner so I think the form out of the trial will be fairly handy.
“I’m yet to sit down and map a campaign for her just yet but I’ll be doing that in the coming days, the obvious features will include the QBRED features while an Oaks feature would be great for her long term value.
“The current crop of QBRED fillies looks pretty handy with a number of likely prospects starting to pop back-up again. I’ve also got Cherish The Moment in my team but I think Get In The Groove is my by best prospect at this stage, she’s classy and very professional.”
Get In The Groove managed 4 victories from 7 starts last season.
Meanwhile, Cherish The Moment is yet to rejoin the Dixon stables but the Mach Three – Cherry Cheer filly is back in pre-training with Peter Bell at Goldrush Lodge on the Darling Downs.
Cherish The Moment scored 2 wins and 2 placings from 4 starts last season.
Both fillies are raced by Kevin and Kay Seymour.
by Chris Barsby