Valhalla Miss, produced in fine fettle by Byford trainer Linda Hamilton for her first appearance for two months, gave further proof that she will be a leading contender for the $100,000 Diamond Classic on May 28 when she scored an impressive victory in the 1730m In The Gig Pace for two-year-olds at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Kyle Harper got Valhalla Miss away to a flying start from the No. 5 barrier and the Fly Like An Eagle filly set a solid pace and won convincingly by just over a half-length from debutant Beyond The Sea, rating 1.57.4.
Valhalla Miss went into the field of eight as the only winner, having won at her two previous starts in February after her first-up second to Wonderful To Fly earlier in the month. However, despite that excellent form, she started at the attractive odds of $3.70, with Sovrana, drawn to her outside at barrier No. 6 the favourite at $2.50.
The excellent price about Valhalla Miss probably was because she had been unplaced in two 1684m Pinjarra trials in the weeks leading up to Friday night’s race. Purchased at the 2020 APG Perth yearling sale by Linda and Barry Hamilton for $17,500, the filly now has earned $78,191 from three wins and a second from four starts.
Sovrana raced in fifth position in the one-out, one-back position and did not threaten danger, finishing fourth.
by Ken Casellas