Hilltop Blossom takes 2yo Southern Cross Fillies for owner breeder Val Bain
A lifelong ambition came to fruition when Hilltop Blossom won at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.
Hilltop Blossom, owned and bred by Val Bain from Buchfelde, led throughout in the Listed $35,000 2025 Allenby Lodge Stud 2YO Pacing Fillies Southern Cross Final (1800m).
Mrs Bain,86, has been breeding and owning standardbreds for more than 30 years as stock for her son Peter, and grandson Aaron, to have an involvement in harness racing. Husband Trevor, 86 next month, has been a backbone for his wife’s passion.
Her breed, generally with the Hilltop prefix, have been successful in juvenile races over the years, but Hilltop Blossom was the first to deliver a Southern Cross success.
“That is the one we wanted,” Mrs Bain said.
“For a variety of reasons, our horses have run well in Southern Cross series, but a win had not happened.
“The Southern Cross races are iconic in South Australia for everyone involved in the industry and to now have one of the breed on the honour board is very humbling.”
For trainer Emma Stewart, it was her eighth win from the past 15 years in the Southern Cross for 2YO Fillies, while it was driver Wayne Hill’s first success in that feature.
Mrs Bain said the initial plan had been for stablemate Hilltop Star to contest the Southern Cross, but when she made the final of the Breeders Crown in Victoria, the switch was made for Hilltop Blossom to run in SA.
Despite her age, Mrs Bain, not having travelled for about 30 years, flew to Melbourne for the Vicbred and Breeders Crown finals.
Following the win last night she said, “I am having too much fun, so I am sticking around for a bit longer yet.”
The 2YO Fillies final was an outstanding contest.
Hilltop Blossom ($1.15 fav) from gate one and Centrefold Star ($6.50), from barrier three, came out humming and had a speed battle in the early stages, but the favourite, with the inside, was able to maintain control.
Michael Smith, driving Centrefold Star, wisely opted to drop in behind and trail the leader.
Wayne Hill’s instructions from trainer Emma Stewart, were to allow the filly to bowl along and she recorded four sub-30 second quarters for the last 1600 metres for a mile rate of 1:56.5.
Centrefold Star tried to make a challenge turning for home, but the winner was too strong scoring by four metres. Third-placed Lardy Dah Lady ($61) was 28 metres away.
- Story Graham Fischer
- Photo Walter Bulyga