Emerging star 2YO filly RHAPSODY ROSE (Star Witness – Ritzy) has earned a shot at Gr 1 riches over the next few weeks following a great display of speed running to win the Listed Bill Carter Stakes over 1200m at Doomben.
And in doing so, her trainer Chris Munce, earned himself the title of Australia’s best trainer.
To which he smiled.
As he was being interviewed post-race, sporting a huge hat and all, the filly’s owner, the Honourable Peter McGauran, a former Howard Govt Minister, came over, grabbed the mike and told the world watching, “When you have a good horse you have to give it to the best trainers, and Chris Munce is the best trainer in Australia.” Drop the mike!
He didn’t actually drop it, but he handed it back with no more questioning or statements.
Munce, however, a little embarrassed, was glowing about the filly.
“I have no doubt she will get a mile and she will back up next week in the Sires’ then into the mile race.”
Today’s win, where she led and was headed half way down the straight by Chris Waller’s HOOVER LUCY (No Nay Never – Chelsea Hotel) who just died on her run close to the wire, was Rhapsody Rose’s 2nd win from five starts and her first at stakes level.
“She is so tough and I am over the moon for rider Justin Huxtable here too because he comes out of his time in a couple of weeks and I think he is the only apprentice riding against the big boys today,” added Munce.
Hoover Lucy was very brave as a maiden galloper to run 2nd. Back in 3rd spot was a game MORIOKA (Maurice – Koonoomoo) who should get better in the longer 2YO events that are coming up.
Rhapsody Rose won by a nose with the third filly a long neck behind.
The win propelled the winner’s prize money bank to $160,825.