You would think it would be easy to find a sprint race for 2 year olds around the Sydney & provincial region at this time of year but there is in fact slim pickings for a two year old who has already won its maiden right now. Superbellaa had won her first race start in good style at Canberra and has had two starts since, one at Listed level and the other in Saturday company against boys. Lee was looking for something a little easier on a drier surface if possible.
It had been a long long time since Lee visited the central western town of Wellington but he was certain the tight turning, short straight down the hill would suit the very speedy filly.
She was nominated for two races, a Class 1 over 1100m and a Class 3 over 900m. Being second in the order Lee accepted in both races to ensure he drew a good gate. Well, the rules had changed since Lee had last been out that way and Superbellaa was balloted out of the Class 1 to make way for the emergencies and given a start in the stronger Class 3 race. Thankfully she drew barrier 4. Doing the form in these races is always tough, tougher still if you have a 2yo filly taking on older seasoned horses who race these western tracks all the time. If you were to think of Wellington as an easy place to win then you would be mistaken. The set up of the track and the need to be in a forward position puts a lot of pressure on the leaders, they just attack from the moment the gates open.
Superbellaa has led easily in almost all of her assignments, trials and races. Under the guidance of Adrian Layt she jumped well and was urged forward surrounded by bigger geldings fighting for the lead. She settled outside the leader with the 10 year old gelding French Giggle outside of her keeping the pressure on. She floated down the hill and slipped away from her rivals to win easily in the end.
Lee had brought the family for the trip. The kids, Harvey, Jackson & Lexi had an especially good time. They enjoyed visiting the farm Super stayed at, staying in a motel, doing roly polys down the hill and enjoying a win by the fence in front of the winning post. It was a fun time and a worthwhile trip for all.
Congratulations to her connections.