As four first-time owners celebrated In Good Time’s win on debut at Dubbo, trainer Tracey Bartley attempted to add a touch of reality to the aftermath.
“I told them it’s all downhill from here on in,” Bartley said.
Thankfully, it hasn’t worked out that way with as the bargain buy from retired Canberra trainer Bernie Howlett extended her winning sequence to five at a variety of country tracks.
Now the three-year-old filly’s connections and Wyong-based Bartley can dare to dream about adding black-type to her a pedigree.
In Good Time will contest the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone on Saturday.
“She’s way above what we ever though she was capable of but good luck to her,” Bartley said.
Bartley inherited a batch of Howlett’s horses when he opted to focus on breeding and In Good Time resembles a steal at $10,000.
The three-year-old has already made $105,000 from victories in Dubbo, Wellington, Port Macquarie (twice) and Tamworth.
“Bernie sent me a photo of her and Gerard bought her,” Bartley said.
Bartley said her trackwork was the worst he’d ever witnessed though come race day In Good Time slips into the groove.
“She wouldn’t beat me or you on the track at home but she switches off in her races and then she can sprint, that’s her best attribute,” he said.
Bartley also saddles up To Excess who resumes in Saturday’s Listed Ortensia Stakes (1100m).
To Excess has had two recent barrier trials, including a fifth against leading sprinters Redzel, English and Spieth at Randwick last week.
“He’s up to this grade. He’ll park right behind the speed, wait and have the last crack at them,” Bartley said.
A winner of five races from 13 starts, To Excess was kept up to the mark with a Wyong barrier trial win over 1000m on Monday.
