Despite being in a mood pre-race, debutant Elusive Express has raced to an impressive debut win at Cranbourne.
Leading jockey Jamie Kah believes if trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman can get the mind of Elusive Express right, she will win a better race than a maiden at Cranbourne.
Elusive Express made a winning debut in the Polytrack Maiden Plate (1200m) on Wednesday, but the filly almost ruined her chances behind the barriers, pre-race.
But Kah did not panic guiding Elusive Express ($6.50 TAB) to a 1-½ length victory from Sister Vianney ($9.50) with Jagar ($7) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
“I thought we had her right after her last trial when she was really well behaved, but today, the race day environment just stressed her out a bit too much and her behavioural issues came back,” Kah said.
“She over-raced and did a lot wrong, but if we can get her head right, she’s going to make the grade and she’s got the ability.
“She might be a bit over-the-top now for this prep and I think next prep she’ll make a nice horse.”
Sam Freedman said he would take the advice of Kah on board saying the filly was still very raw.
“She’s done a good job, but she’s got a lot to learn, however she has a lot of upside,” Freedman said.
“We were coming here not too sure what to do after. She’s won quite impressively but I think she’s going to be a lot better in the autumn.
“She was very strong to the line and she may end up getting out over a bit of a trip as well.”
Unfortunately for Kah, Wednesday’s victory does not count in her chase to become the first jockey to crack the 100-win mark for the season in metropolitan Melbourne.
Currently Kah sits on 95 winners with 10 metropolitan meetings remaining for the season.
