Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Victorian-bred mare Sahara Storm was untroubled to set the pace and win the 2130m Choices Flooring For Inspiration Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night to complete a winning treble for brilliant young driver Emily Suvaljko and a double for trainer Nathan Turvey.
Suvaljko and Turvey combined to win with Miracle Moose after the 21-year-old Suvaljko had driven Star Of Willoughby to a runaway victory earlier in the night.
Turvey and Suvaljko kept up the good work at Northam on Saturday night when they combined to win the $30,000 Northam Cup with Captured Delight and score with Farawayeyes in the Archie and Leo Pace.
Not to be outdone, Suvaljko’s father Shannon drove three winners at Northam — scoring with Cooper ($3.30), Blitzembye ($1.05) and Hoppy Ways ($2.35).
Sahara Storm was the $1.30 favourite from the No. 2 barrier, and after a slow lead time of 38.1sec. and a modest opening quarter of 30.9sec., she ran the next three 400m sections in 29.3sec., 27.9sec. and 27.8sec. to record a mile rate of 1.56.3.
Sahara Storm has won at four of her seven WA starts and has an overall record of 29 starts for eight wins, six placings and $80,625.
“She is a different horse out in front where she loves to roll along,” said Suvaljko. “I didn’t hit her with the whip because I don’t think she likes it.”
Turvey said that Sahara Storm had done a really good job since arriving in WA. “Regarding her plans, I’m not against giving her a break,” he said. “So, I’ll speak to her owners who are over east.”