We Have Lift Off has finally made it to the races after a year-long lay-off, and the fit-again filly did not disappoint at Canterbury.
Now aptly-named, the three-year-old completed an impressive return from a leg injury by winning Wednesday’s Pluck@Vinery Plate (1100m) by three-quarters of a length.
It was just her second start following her fourth on debut in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes at Doomben in December last year.
A $170,000 yearling bought by Dynamic Syndications at the 2016 Magic Millions Sale, We Have Lift Off was diagnosed with a suspensory injury that required a lengthy recovery.
She was transferred from Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott to Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup during her recuperation.
Widdup was rapt with her successful return to racing but said next month’s Magic Millions carnival at the Gold Coast would come too soon.
“She’s obviously got talent, but she’s got to learn to race yet and get a bit smarter,” he said.
“It would be nice for her to go through her grades a little and see what happens.
“She’s a Magic Millions horse but there’s the fillies and mares race next year.”
The $3 equal favourite led throughout while Zoology ($4.40) was the closest chaser and League Of Nations ($3) was a half-length third.
“She probably got a little bit tired late but she did all the work. It was a great effort,” Widdup said.
“Dynamic did well getting her. She’s a well-bred filly and not a bad type, well-spotted.”
Jockey Christian Reith rode We Have Lift Off both lead-up barrier trials and was happy to see her translate that form to race day.
“It’s been a slow, steady progression with her this campaign, but everything she’s done she’s improved on. We were very confident,” he said.
“She was going to empty out late so I had to make sure she had all the carrots in the tank when I let her go and I did that. She kicked well and she’s got more improvement in her yet.”
Sydney’s leading trainer Chris Waller had three winners through Higher Ground and Allcash in 1900m Benchmark Handicap races while Jaunty claimed a Benchmark 74 Handicap (1550m).
