Flying filly Rebel Dancer has done everything right since her blistering debut win at Grafton and is ready for the Miss Finland at Muswellbrook on Friday.
Trained by Jenny Graham at Port Macquarie and owned by South African Veronica Scott-Mason, the daughter of Danehill Dancer, purchased for $25,000 as a yearling, looked well above average winning by 5-1/2 lengths in a record 56.54sec over 1000m on April 10.
The win didn’t surprise Graham.
“She certainly ran quick time at Grafton,” Graham said.
“She’s always shown ability and never been pushed in her work or trials.
“What she’s doing is on natural ability.”
Scott-Mason, who owns smart sprinter Border Rebel and a swag of other winning gallopers, has split her team between Graham and Tamworth-based Sue Grills.
According to Graham, Rebel Dancer hasn’t gone backwards since her all-the-way Grafton win.
“She’s excelled,” Graham said.
“She’s a very laid-back filly but whatever you put in front of her she picks up very quickly.
“There’s no doubt she comes into Muswellbrook better for the experience and she pulled up from the run exceptionally well.
“I’d have to say she will strip at least as good as Grafton if not better.
“She’s been doing everything right, working well and licking the bin out at night.
“She’s a nice filly with a lovely mannerism.”
Race experience will prove vital in the Miss Finland (1000m), Graham believes.
“It’s hard to get a line on the unraced fillies but Rebel Dancer has already done it. You can’t ask for any more,” Graham said.
“It’s a matter of repeating it.”
Peter Graham retains the mount.
