Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Wanneroo trainer Debbie Padberg and her husband John made a wise decision to buy You Fly With Me, who made his first appearance for his new owners when he was successful in the 2130m TABtouch International Form Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The New Zealand-bred six-year-old You Fly With Me was the $3.60 second fancy from the No. 1 barrier, with stablemate Name In Lights the $2.65 favourite from barrier No. 2.
Shannon Suvaljko sent Name In Lights straight to the front, with Chris Voak happy to take the sit behind the leader with You Fly With Me, a pacer he trained for 31 starts for five wins and ten placings before he was sold to the Padbergs.
Voak eased You Fly With Me off the pegs approaching the home turn, and the gelding got to the front 90m from the post and won by 2m from a wilting Name In Lights. Then winner rated 1.58.6 after final quarters of 28.5sec. and 28.8sec.
“I thought that which of the two horses who led would win,” said Mrs Padberg. “I expected the leader to be Name In Lights because he is quicker (at the start). But even though Name In Lights led, You Fly With Me went a bit better.
“Chris Voak bought You Fly With Me from New Zealand, and we had a small share in him before we bought the other owners out. I’ve had the horse for eight or nine weeks and this was his first start for me.”
You Fly With Me is by Somebeachsomewhere and is the sixth foal out of Flying Mrs Williams, who raced four times in New Zealand for two wins in minor events, earning $5810. You Fly With Me’s half-brother Flying Mister Ideal raced 49 times for seven wins, 12 placings and $77,861. His final four wins were in Western Australia in 2020.