Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Lightly-raced six-year-old Born To Boogie continues to impress and is developing into a leading candidate for the rich feature events for mares in the summer.
Trained by Ross Olivieri and driven by Chris Lewis, Born To Boogie overcame the disadvantage of starting out wide at barrier No. 8 in the 2130m Channel 7 Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night when she was restrained at the start and finished powerfully from the rear to win by 2m from Alice Kay.
Born To Boogie, raced by Merv Butterworth’s racing syndicate, was great value at $12.50 due to the wide draw, while Double Up was favourite at $1.50.
Double Up started from barrier three and set the pace, with the $4.60 second favourite Fanci A Dance in the breeze and Born To Boogie racing in ninth position in the field of ten.
Chris Lewis started a three-wide move with Born To Boogie 700m from home before Born To Boogie was able to follow $26 chance Alice Kay, who was switched three wide 100m later. Both mares finished strongly, with Born To Boogie proving the stronger.
Born To Boogie, who is by American sire Rock N Roll Heaven, won five times in New Zealand and has thrived under Olivieri’s care, with her six WA starts producing four wins and two close seconds. She has earned $96,825 from nine wins and 12 placings from 32 starts.
“It was a great run,” said Olivieri. “And it was a big price, considering her form. That’s what the barrier draws do.
“She has had a few little issues that we have had to tidy up. She’s classy and could make her presence felt in the big races for mares in the coming summer. She will be heading for those events, and hopefully so will Double Expresso, who found a smidgeon of form tonight when second to Bettor Copagoodone.”