Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Experienced trainer John Graham has scaled down his involvement in harness racing in recent years and he now has only four pacers in his Bunbury stables.
But he seems assured of plenty of success in the coming seasons with his promising two-year-old filly Iseeubaby, who he produced in great shape for a most encouraging first-up victory in the $21,000 Join Trotsynd Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Iseeubaby, making her first appearance since finishing second to Reinette in Bunbury on March 2, was the $3 second fancy from the No. 1 barrier when Emily Suvaljko drove her to an all-the-way win over the strong-finishing Ruby Lovera ($4.60) and Winter Wonder ($8.50). The $2.10 favourite Bettagetonpip wilted to fourth after racing in the breeze.
Iseeubaby sprinted over the final 400m in 27.9sec. and her win gave the 62-year-old Graham his first city success since Suvaljko drove Miss Eerie to an all-the-way half-head victory over the fast-finishing Purest Silk in a $22,000 event for fillies and mares on January 14, 2022.
“I’m semi-retired and am working only four horses, just to keep myself occupied,” said Graham, who has prepared 639 winners.
Iseeubaby was bred and is owned by his partner Tracey Massimini, and the filly who is by former smart WA pacer Wesley, has had three starts for two wins and a second placing for stakes of $18,781. She has not been paid up for the $100,000 Diamond Classic on August 9 but is eligible for other Westbred feature events.
“There is a Westsired event for fillies next week, and if she pulls up okay, we will run her in that,” said Graham.
Wesley, raced and trained by Sarah Wall, earned $163,186 from 15 wins and 12 placings from 53 starts. Iseeubaby is the only foal out of the unraced Lincoln Royal mare Icanseeu, who was born with a club foot.