South Aussie Star too good in APG 2yo Sales Classic at Globe

Well named South Aussie Star scored the biggest win of her short career taking out the $20,000 APG Adelaide 2YO Fillies Sales Classic (1800m) at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.

Despite an incredible betting drift from $1.30 out to $2.20, South Aussie Star, trained and driven by Ryan Hryhorec, led throughout to score by 2-1/2 metres from Victorian first starter Ideal Miki which was sensationally backed from $3.50 into $1.95 favourite.

They spaced third-placed Chiaras Mara ($34) which was 28 metres away.

Apart from the $11,215 first prize, there was also a $5000 bonus for a two-year-old which had not won previously at Globe Derby Park.

While it was joy for the SA BOTRA syndicate owners, it was relief for Hryhorec.

“To be honest, if it had not been a feature race, she would have been in the paddock,” Hryhorec said.

“After her last run, I knew she wasn’t quite right and had blood tests done and they indicated she was not 100 percent.

“She has not had a set of hopples on since that last run.

“Because it was a feature we decided to run but she will be going to the paddock now.

“She is a really nice filly, and I’m sure she will improve with age and maturity – I think we pinched one on Saturday.”

Hryhorec said he was confident South Aussie Star could measure up in the feature Southern Cross Series later in the year.

The filly led from gate two with Ideal Miki on her back and the pair dominated.

Hryhorec rated the winner perfectly and sprinted home in a final quarter of 28.4 seconds which the runner up found a shade too quick.

Lee-Ann Pangarazio, president of the SA Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (BOTRA), said South Aussie Star’s win had been a thrill for the ownership group.

“In an effort to try and bring new people into harness racing, the BOTRA committee decided to offer 100 shares in the filly and the response has been magnificent,” Pangrazio said.

“There was about 30 people either new to the sport or coming back after a long time away.

“There were 13 at the owners on course on Saturday, despite the race running at 10.15pm, which is pretty late on a cold, winter’s night.”

Mount Gambier trainer Matthew Horsnell is making as habit of heading to Globe Derby Park to land feature races and such as the case on Saturday when Hawkesdale Deed took out the 3YO Pacing For Pink Classic (1800m).

Horsnell, in fact, supplied the quinella with Poachers Dream taking second.

Driven by Wayne Hill, Hawkesdale Deed ($3.20 equal fav) led from gate two with Poachers Dream ($61), with Horsnell in the sulky, trailing from barrier one.

Hawkesdale Deed was never troubled and won comfortably by 6-1/2 metres from its stablemate with My Ultimate Banjo ($19), a half-metre away third.

Im Big Business, the other equal favourite, ran on from last to finish fourth.

Both Hawkesdale Deed and Poachers Dream are owned by Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club committeemen Liam Mason and Jake Capewell and began their careers in Victoria.

Horsnell said when he returned in January to live in Mount Gambier and train, the owners had sounded him out about taking over their preparation.

“They were keen to support the club and make sure there were horses in the area which could help make up numbers at meetings,” Horsnell said.

“I have been happy with both fillies, and I believe they are improving with racing.

“I pride myself in being able to target races with my horses and the Pacing For Pink Classic looked perfect for Hawkesdale Deed and so it proved.

“She can probably have a break now and I will be looking at the Southern Cross Series later this year.

“Poachers Dream is still a maiden, and I was really happy with the way she stuck to her task. I believe she is a definite improver.”

Horsnell, who has had great success with fast-class pacer Dhaulagiri, said the horse had been nominated for Saturday but the race had failed to stand up.

“He probably can have a few weeks off and get him ready for features later this year.”

Horsnell said his talented trotter Meadow Valley Star was also out spelling after an excellent preparation.

“I only have three horses in work at the moment but expect to be up to six by the end of next week.”