Liberty Rose has stormed into WA Oaks calculations, following a convincing win in the harness racing WA Oaks Prelude (2130m) at Gloucester Park tonight.
It required a patient drive by Gary Hall Jnr on the Mach Three filly, but he was able to push in the clear at just the right time, and storm to victory by a half-neck.
Liberty Rose was in an awkward spot on the turn for home caught three back on the pegs, but when the gap opened she was good enough to finish over the top of her rivals.
The Gary Hall Snr-trained filly was having just her second start in Australia, and fifth career start, and the move to Australia has worked wonders for her so far, winning at Pinjarra on March 19, before her success tonight.
Miss Sangrial was also able to find clear running in the home straight, and finished off well to run second, while Mike Reed’s New Zealand import Our Angel Of Harlem finished third after taking the lead on the home turn.
Amelia’s Courage was sent out a warm favourite in the $20,000 event following her win at Gloucester Park on Tuesday, and led throughout for trainer and driver Colin Brown, but couldn’t hold out the barnstorming finish from Liberty Rose.
After the race, Hall Jnr said he was pleased with the filly’s performance.
“We are really happy with her,” he said.
“She has done everything right.”
Hall Snr said the filly would start again prior to the WA Oaks next month, and was pleased with the way she went to the line.
Later in the night, Military Master continued his good form since returning this campaign, with an effortless nine metre win in the #SkyHarness Pace (2536m).
Military Master had never previously won over the distance, but there were no concerns tonight, as he powered to victory over Addfueltofire.
Tim Walker