The old timers used to say that patience was the only thing in racing that didn’t cost much and Olivia Thornley proved the theory last night at Addington.
The astute young driver has always favoured the “soft hands, quiet aggression” approach to her driving and as with all youngsters sometimes it has cost her.
But lessons well learned and what a beaut drive to get Aqua Sancta home at Addington.
Olivia pushed forward early, settled in the trail and was then caught three back. But until the 600m she sat in her usual calm manner but eased off the fence at the right time and was trailing the leading contenders at the home turn.
A good place to be.
Then she capitalised, surging forward, the blinds working to help the enthusiasm of the horse who had been disappointing last start, to give Olivia a well deserved win.
A natural horsewoman off the track, Olivia is an increasing presence on it and with the continued backing from Mark and Natalie looks in for a lot more success yet.
It was a great result all round for All Stars in their debut for the night with Aladdin coming off the trail to run down What’s Your Secret on a slushy track but still breaking 28 for the last 400m and running 2.27 overall.
“He was really good” Mark said of the winner.
“He had the run but as I said in the preview I think he needed more racing than we thought and he has kept improving which is a big thing. Good to win a race for Jean and Bill too”
Natalie wasn’t disappointed with What’s Your Secret by any stretch.
“Look, she went really good. I was quite thrilled with her actually. She did the work and fought on strongly..I can’t wait to get her in behind and let her sprint home (parked on debut) and while i am not comparing her to the top fillies we have had at this stage I really like her and I think she has a future at higher level”
Natalie’s enthusiasm on a cold night didn’t end there. Rock Legend’s Sires Stakes heat placing had her buzzing.
“I was just thrilled with that. I mean he had to work into the open and work hard and he ran on well. He booked his trip to Auckland (Sires Stakes heat) on that run.
“Horses like him that keep improving with every run are exciting”
Mark was in no way disappointed with Its All About Faith who trailed winner Krug and fought on strongly. You got the impression he is looking forward to the next clash between the two which may not happen until the Sires Stakes Final. But the pair seem headed for more great clashes.
“I was a wee bit surprised Krug went to the front like that” Mark said suggesting the stable’s pre race map was different from the outcome.
“However we got the run after that and he was not good enough on the night. But actually I was thrilled with him”
Tim was not disappointed with Delightful Dude but “hoped for a little more” and Olivia who got cover behind Natalie with Stag Party though his was a fair effort at this stage of his career.
Courtesy of All Stars Stables