Bunbury trainer Holly Locke, who only has a small team, is dreaming big of blacktype success this Saturday in the Belmont Classic (2200m) via a Bob Peters cast-off.
Not A Single Doubt filly Heaven’s Gift, a winner of her opening two career outings before a third two weeks ago in the Belmont Oaks (2000m), has indeed been a blessing for the stable.
“We got her for $6,000 via an online auction,” Locke told Justhorseracing.
“She was bred by Peters Investments and is a credit to Bob (Peters), along with Grant and Alana Williams and their stable.”
Locke, normally a trainer who applies her trade with tried horses, got this filly and since day one it’s been smooth sailing, with the trainer amazed at how relaxed the filly has been around the stable.
“She handles the racing like a real professional,” Locke said.
“She is more like one of the boys in the yard.
“She is a great drinker, eater and has taken to our environment well.”
Heaven’s Gift was thrown into the deep end when contesting the Belmont Oaks a fortnight back but measured up against some talented types, finishing third. Jarrad Noske, who has ridden her in both trials and three runs for Locke, remains on for this Saturday and with rain forecast, the Bunbury horsewoman is confident of a good showing.
“We feel if the track comes up wet as expected, she will finish first three and go close to winning,” The trainer said.
“Jarrad Noske loves the filly and has stuck by her from the start, wasting to ride her and has waited hours just to trial her.
“Whatever the outcome is on Saturday, she is going for a spell and we will look at what to do with her as a four year old.”
Locke trains under the banner of Bayside Racing and with a small team of six in work has a good strike rate in terms of success. Locke says it’s a team effort that ensures the winners come.
“Bayside Racing is a small stable that prides itself on giving all out horses 110% TLC,” Locke said.
“The business is mainly me, my partner, out stable foreman Brett Drury, who rides trackwork alongside out trackwork rider Bronwyn Mathieson.
“Our stable motto is ‘Team Work Makes The Dream Work’ and it has indeed been a dream, more so now with Heaven’s Gift.”
