Patinack Farm’s Queensland representative Brett Killion was pleasantly surprised when Wonderful Lass provided the stable with an upset win in the Listed Recognition Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Wonderful Lass ($12) edged out the heavily backed Carry Me Bluey ($1.90 fav) by a nose in Saturday’s 1600-metre feature.
Consistent mare Fillydelphia ($3.80) was a further 1-1/4 lengths away third.
“I had given up on this mare,” Killion said.
“She’s been a bit of a heartbreak horse and it wouldn’t have surprised me if she would have been well beaten.”
Killion, who manages Patinack Farm’s stable at Canungra in the Gold Coast hinterland, had few excuses for Wonderful Lass’ previous effort when she finished a struggling sixth to Fillydelphia in the Listed Brisbane Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm last month.
“She’s been very frustrating and I don’t know what happened last run but perhaps it was the hard track that day,” Killion said.
Apprentice Tim Bell has been Wonderful Lass’ regular rider and had the four-year-old closer to the pace than in her past efforts.
“She’s been to the races a few times lately and just hasn’t turned up a couple of times,” Bell said.
“But she was up closer to the pace today which helped.”
Killion said there were no plans to step Wonderful Lass up further in distance and she will be aimed at the Listed Bernborough Handicap (1615m) at Doomben at the end of the month.
Trainer Norm Hilton was disappointed not to win the race, but was not disappointed with Carry Me Bluey’s effort and has no plans to change course over the summer.
“It was a big run but it’s always disappointing to lose,” Hilton said.
“He only lost in a bob of the head finish.
“I think Chris (Munce) probably had to go too soon on him but it doesn’t change anything.”
Hilton will give Carry Me Bluey another start in two weeks before aiming for a return clash with Wonderful Lass in the Bernborough Handicap.
“I still think he’s good enough to take to Sydney next year,” he said.
AAP TURF
