Sheezus provided local harness racing breeders Macca Lodge with an early breeding double at Gore today.
Trained by Tony Stratford on the course for his sister's father in-law Pete Hughan from Wellington, the Panspacificflight filly in the hands of Dexter Dunn proved too good for a large maiden field of fillies and mares. Her winning margin was a length and a quarter and her time of 2-18.6 broke the three year old fillies track record of 2-29.0 previously held by Canderdel.
Sheezus and Dexter Dunn (white and green colours) – Photo Bruce Stewart.
"I've always like her. When Mach Of The Man who was owned by Pete was getting to a stage when he was reaching his mark we got this filly," said Stratford.
Despite her win today Stratford is conscious of not over racing the filly and waiting for her to develop into a four year old.
"If we don't overdo her this time round she could develop into quite a handy mare. At the end of the day she's probably not up to those better three year old fillies. In time though she could develop into a Southern Belle Speed Series mare. Sh's got good gas."
In the previous race the Macca Lodge bred Tangled Up In Blue won for Macca Lodge owner/trainer Brent McIntyre. Both horses are by Panspacificflight.
Meanwhile Stratford's former stable star Pulp Fiction notched up his first win in Australia last night when he won at Menangle.
"It was good to see him go to the line well like he did a lot of times down here. He went down to the line without being touched in 1-51 so that was great. I think a couple of times over there they've over driven him but in his last couple of runs they've been more positive especially when last week he came from last and ran third in 1-50."
Stratford says Pulp Fiction's previous owners have set aside some money to buy at next weeks sales but short term are enjoying racing the promising Bettor's Delight gelding Lilac Flash.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing