Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
New Zealand-bred filly Captainshavtime resumed after a 19-week absence in fine style when she coasted to an effortless victory in the $21,000 Aardiebytheseaside Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The three-year-old, trained by Greg and Skye Bond and driven by Deni Roberts, was the $1.30 favourite from barrier four, and she burst straight to the front, despite the plan to drive her conservatively with a sit.
“I had planned to sit her up, first-up, following a helmet,” said Roberts. “But she just left the gate too well. However, she got away with an easy lead time and a casual first quarter (32.1sec.).”
Captainshavtime was not extended in running the final three 400m sections in 29.6sec., 28.2sec. and 29.3sec. and she won by 4m from five-year-old mare Unlucky, a $17 chance who trailed her throughout.
“The WA Oaks later this year will be her main target, and also the WA Derby if she measures up,” said Roberts.
Captainshavtime is raced by Team Bond in partnership with the filly’s owner-breeder, Invercargill lawyer Murray Little. Captainshavtime is by American stallion Captain Crunch and is the first foal out of Little-bred mare Betterthanbrie, who had 44 starts for five wins, 12 placings and $58,897.
Captainshavtime won once from three appearances in New Zealand and her seven WA starts have produced six wins and a third placing (in the group 1 Golden Slipper last September