First starter Delightful Feeling didn’t like life in Hong Kong but showed he would be winning plenty of races in Queensland at Ipswich on Wednesday.
Delightful Feeling started $10 but raced more like an odds-on favourite, beating the runner-up Madiba ($3.60) by nearly five lengths in the Queenslnd Times Plate (1200m).
Trainer Matt Dunn originally had Delightful Feeling but he was sent to race in Hong Kong before he had a start.
“Delightful Feeling didn’t settle into Hong Kong and he was sent back to me again without racing. Full credit to his owner Anthony Chow for making the decision” Dunn said.
“He has had three trials and got better with each. Delightful Feeling has a lot of talent and we will look at a city race now,” Dunn said.
Trainer Barry Baldwin was one of the few not surprised when rank outsider Princess Charm continued her reputation as a bookmakers’ friend.
Princess Charm, who started at $31, stormed home from the tail of the field to beat the favourite Favoured Grace ($2.90) by a half length in the Schweppes Plate.
The filly’s only other win was also at $31 when she won at the Gold Coast in May.
Baldwin said he was genuinely shocked that Princess Charm had gone to the barrier at such big odds.
“She ran fifth at Gatton at her last start and was one of few horses to make up ground on the day. I came away thinking she was back near her best and ready to win,” he said.
“Princess Charm has always shown ability and when she won at the Gold Coast she beat Star Of Night who is a more than handy filly,” Baldwin said.
Tony Gollan continued his march towards setting another metropolitan training record with a double by Hi I’m Back ($1.80) and Sequalex ($1.90).
