Pinjarra horseman Shane Young was lavish in his praise of Wonderful To Fly after driving her to a convincing victory in the $100,000 Allwood Stud Farm Westbred Classic for two-year-old fillies at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
“She went terrific, and I was rapt with her,” said a jubilant 57-year-old Young. “She now looks the like the best pacer I’ve trained. I really liked Rosies Ideal, but this girl is faster, definitely quicker point to point, and she has a bit of toughness.
Wonderful To Fly gave Young his fourth driving success in a Group 1 $100,00 feature event after wins with Miss Placed in the State Sires Series final for two-year-old fillies in June 2007, Trigmart in the State Sires Series final for three-year-old colts and geldings in July 2011 and Rosies Ideal in the Westbred Classic for three-year-old fillies in June 2018.
Wonderful To Fly was a warm favourite at $1.50 from barrier No. 6. She began speedily but was trapped three wide early and then raced without cover. After a fast lead time of 35.7sec. Chris Lewis sent $17 chance Little Darling to the front after 500m.
Wonderful To Fly settled well in the breeze and put no pressure on the leader until Young sent his filly forward in the final circuit to take the lead 500m from home and win by 2m from $5 second fancy Taking the Miki, who had enjoyed a perfect run behind the pacemaker. The win improved Wonderful To Fly’s record to 11 starts for six wins, three placings and $116,424 in stakes.
“I was in a bit of pain, three wide early and then in the breeze,” said Young. “Wonderful To Fly settled not too badly and travelled strongly. But I thought I could be in a bit of trouble with Taking the Miki on our back. However, she went very well and all going well she will run in the Gold Bracelet next Friday night.
“And there is a possibility I could run her in the Golden Slipper next Friday week. Tonight, she rated 1.58 which was better than the 1.59.4 rated by Rock On Top in winning tonight’s classic for two-year-old colts and geldings.
“On the way she went tonight you wouldn’t say that she wouldn’t be competitive from a good draw in the Slipper.”
by Ken Casellas