One Aussie too good in Sapling Stakes
First starter One Aussie produced a powerful finish to land the time-honoured SA Sapling Stakes at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.
Starting at $7, the two-year-old sprinted strongly in the home straight to grab a neck win from South Aussie Star ($8) with the heavily backed Kojax ($3 into $1.95 fav) a metre away third.
One Aussie was bred and is owned by Two Wells-based Mario Musolino, trained by Shaun Adams and was driven by Corey Johnson.
Adams said the gelding had improved every time he had hoppled him.
“I told Mario that he was getting quicker every time I had worked him,” Adams said.
“From the time he was broken in he has shown ability, and after a break, I noted a sharp improvement.
“I told Corey tonight I felt One Aussie would prove competitive and would have been disappointed if he had not been up with the placegetters.”
Cecil Peak, a winner of his past two starts, won the start easily and speared to the lead with Kojax, from gate three, forced to sit parked which enabled his stablemate South Aussie Star to find the one-one trail.
Meanwhile, One Aussie was eased back from gate five by Johnson, rather than be caught wide going forward with the result he was able to trail South Aussie Star.
Danielle Hill, driving Kojax, put pressure on the leader off the back with Ryan Hryhorerc, on South Aussie Star, coming three wide to launch a challenge.
Johnson also came forward on One Aussie.
Just as South Aussie Star looked the possible winner, One Aussie hit overdrive and charged home to grab victory.
A delighted Musolino was proud that the gelding’s dam Bubbas Princess have produced another winner.
“She has had three foals to race and they have all won,” Musolino said.
“I have not been keen on fillies, and I sold her first filly foal which proved to be the impressive Laylas Princess which has proved a star for Clinton Fuller and his family.
“Bubbas Princess has a filly foal by Captain Crunch which looks fabulous and I am in two minds what to do with her.
“I have to be honest, Bubbas Princess is not the easiest mare to get along with, but she is proving a great broodmare.”
Adams said provided One Aussie pulled up okay he would target the gelding at the $15,000 Lordship Stakes (1800m), for two-year-old colts & geldings, at Globe Derby Park on Saturday, September 26.
South Aussie Star will line up in the $15,000 Ladyship Stakes (1800m) for two-year-old fillies on the same night.
- Story Graham Fischer
- Photo Walter Bulyga