Ken Casellas |
Inexperienced five-year-old pacer Penny Black resumed after a two-month absence in fine style at Gloucester Park on Friday night when Emily Suvaljko drove her to an easy win in the $27,000 Hoist Solutions Pace over 2536m.
Suvaljko, entrusted with looking after trainer Michael Young’s team while he has been in Brisbane for the Ultimate Driver Challenge series at Albion Park, got Penny Black away smartly from barrier two and the New Zealand-bred was not extended in setting the pace and winning by a length from $8 chance Rockandrollartist.
Suvaljko, who rated Penny Black perfectly with quarters of 31sec., 30.2sec., 28.7sec. and 28.2sec. said she was most impressed with the mare’s performance.
“Michael has a big opinion of her, and he thought that if she found the front she wouldn’t get beaten,” said Suvaljko. “She got an easy kill and I’m looking forward to seeing how she progresses in this campaign.
“It was probably the easiest race she has ever won, and she did it comfortably. She came out (of the barrier) quite well and I think she will benefit with a horse coming out with her. When she meets Steno and Aardiebytheseaside she should take beating if she is able to lead.”
Penny Black is still in the early stages of what should prove to be a highly successful career. She has raced 20 times for nine wins, six placings and $120,598.
Suvaljko kept up her good work by landing a treble at Williams on Sunday when she scored with the Young-trained Chillin in the $11,000 Williams Cup and with stablemate Captains Beach babe, and the Cody Wallrodt-trained Ryder Rose.