Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Inexperienced filly Gliding Star is improving in leaps and bounds and she chalked up her third win from five starts when she caused an upset with a smart victory over Fly To Fame and August Moon in the $20,250 www.sefsolutions.com.au Pace at Gloucester park on Friday night.
A $14.10 chance from the No. 1 barrier, Gliding Star was given the run of the race by Emily Suvaljko, trailing the pacemaker Cabsav ($5) before getting to the front at the 100m and beating the fast-finishing Fly To Fame ($13) by a head, with the $1.20 favourite August Moon in third place.
August Moon was restrained from barrier six before quickly dashing forward after a slow 38.5sec. lead time to race in the breeze. August Moon burst to the front 390m from home before wilting, while Cabsav faded to finish last.
“This was a big jump in class and a good test for her, said Gliding Star’s trainer Jemma Hayman. “She is paid up for the Diamond (on May 19) and I think she will develop into a good contender for the WA Oaks (October 13). She is going to get better and will be suited over the 2536m of the Oaks.”
Gliding Star is by Follow The Stars and is the second foal out of the Victorian-bred Pacific Fella mare Waterslide, who had 158 starts for 12 wins (ten in Victoria, one in New South Wales and one in Queensland).
Waterslide’s dam Wide Glide produced ten winners of 136 races, including Jonathon, who had 144 starts for 32 wins, 40 placings and $186,469.