Ken Casellas | Photo: HAMILTON CONTENT CREATORS
Promising pacer Goodfellaz has returned to racing after a seven-month absence in splendid form for trainer Debra Lewis, winning first-up at Gloucester Park on Tuesday evening and then repeating the dose three nights later with an effortless all-the-way win in the 2130m Rattlin Lilly Pace over 2130m at headquarters on Friday night.
“He’s been in the paddock for quite a while with a few aches and pains,” said champion reinsman Chris Lewis. “There’s been nothing serious; just a few little niggles. I’m happy with him so far and he should enjoy a good campaign.
“Tonight, he was able to lead, and that made it easier. He was nice and relaxed after he pulled a bit when racing in the breeze on Tuesday.”
Goodfellaz, who was bred by Mrs Lewis, was a warm $1.50 favourite who began fast from barrier five and burst straight to the front on Friday night. He was not challenged in the early stages as he ambled through the lead time in 38.3sec. and covered the opening quarters comfortably in 30.9sec. and 30.2sec. before he sprinted strongly over the final 400m sections in 28.6sec. and 27.5sec.
He rated 1.57.5 and won by more than four lengths from the $5 second fancy Sugar Apple, who finished solidly after racing three back on the pegs.
Goodfellaz is by American Ideal and is the seventh foal out of Shes Innocent (14 starts for one win, four placings and $12,460). He now has earned $127,319 from eleven wins and ten placings from 29 starts.
Shes Innocent’s first foal Restrepo was an outstanding performer in Victoria and New South Wales who was retired with a splendid record of 49 starts for 19 wins, ten placings and stakes of $527,118. His victories included Group 1 events at Menangle and Ballarat just over a decade ago.