A smart front running ride by Linda Meech has provided the Peter Moody-trained She Dances with a debut win at Sandown.
Linda Meech took advantage of an inside draw on the daughter of Street Boss to head to the fence and control the speed on a heavy Sandown track in the IVE> Print Handicap (1000m) on Saturday.
She Dances ($8) travelled sweetly in front under Meech before being asked to extend inside the final 300m, racing to a three-length win from Cusack ($11) with Thron Bone ($13) a long neck away third.
Moody’s assistant-trainer Katherine Coleman said She Dances appeared to appreciate the heavy conditions on Saturday.
“That was a lovely debut, she travelled so well from the barriers and got into a beautiful rhythm for Linda and then finished off strongly, so we’re very happy with that,” Coleman said.
“She is one of those fillies that can get a bit cranky if you try and hold her up and make her do things your way, so you’ve just got to keep her happy and keep her in a nice rhythm and Linda was able to do just that.”
Meech said she took a lot of confidence from a phone conversation with Moody on race morning.
Moody was in Brisbane to see Brereton run in the Group 1 J J Atkins at Eagle Farm.
“He said it would win when he rang me this morning, so I was happy to hear that,” Meech said.
“He’s a pretty good judge. He said her work was outstanding during the week and if she ran up to that she would win.
“I don’t get the call very often anymore, but we were quite a good team and it’s my first winner for him back since he had his break, so I couldn’t be happier.”
Meech said walking the track before the opening race she was keen to remain off the fence.
She said She Dances was only a light, little horse that has plenty of speed.
“She’s quite tough and agile so she’s got nothing to get bogged down,” Meech said.
