Enver Jusufovic is happy to watch races from a perspective he’s not used to with his flying machine Miss Albania being in front in her races from the start to the finish.
As she has done in her previous three wins Miss Albania led throughout and sizzled over the Caulfield 1100 metres to win the Iris O’Farrell Handicap.
Miss Albania recorded a time of 1.02.47 min which was 0.74 seconds outside Here De Angel’s course record set in 2010 of 1.01.73 seconds.
“Everyone would be aware that my horses generally are backmarkers so she’s a little bit different,” Jusufovic said.
The Cranbourne trainer said he was excited to train a horse with such speed and her jockey Craig Newitt said she was very fast and won with her ears pricked.
Miss Albania made it three wins on end with her only loss coming at her debut at Ballarat where she finished third.
Jusufovic said Miss Albania was an extremely professional mare and would progress to better class races.
“She shows to me that she’s got the ability. Last start we went from maiden grade to a benchmark 70 because I’ve always liked this horse,” he said.
“She shows, to me, that she’s got the ability to go to another level.
“I thought she was extremely well placed today albeit these $125,000 aren’t easy to win and other horses in this race have got more experience.
“She’s a mare that I said last start would progress to better races and it’s more her mannerisms, I think. She’s extremely professional and puts her in good stead.
Jusufovic said the daughter of Magnus, who races in the colours of the Albanian flag, might now go out for a spell but he will have a discussion with her owners.
“I’ll have a meeting with John (Williams) and the Albanian community – we’ll go out and have some Albanian food – and take it from there.”
Newitt said he was a little hesitant to lead from the wide draw but she was able to do it easily.
“When I went through her gears she still had her ears pricked and I was holding onto her a little bit longer. She’s pretty exciting,” he said.
Miss Albania ($4.80 fav) defeated Excelida ($5.50) by 3/4 lengths with Foxy Lady ($9) in third placing 1 1/4 lengths away third.
