3 minute read

Burrumbeet trainer-driver Michael Stanley looks a leading light in the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series two-year-old fillies, winning one heat and placing in the other.

Petacular, by Somebeachsomewhere out of Ideal Priority, was outstanding in coming from last to first to win the first semi-final, while stablemate Soho Angel ran second in the second semi-final.

And Soho Angel is well-placed for a significant crack at next Saturday night’s final, drawing barrier two with Petacular to start on her back from barrier nine.

It capped a great night for Stanley, whose six runners all qualified for the July 2 super series’ finals.

Petacular had to work hard for her win, taken back from barrier 13 the front runners were able to lead with comfort, requiring a super effort by Stanley to run down Emma Stewart’s pair Our Celebrity and Perfect Sense.

“The race probably didn’t pan out ideally, easy lead time and easy first quarter, but (Petacular) has got a bit of toughness and class about her and did the job nicely,” Stanley said.

And, he said, she was improving all the time.

“You only have to look at her to know she hasn’t filled out and has a lot of growing to do,” he said. “I’m sure whatever she does this year she can go with it next year.”

He was starved of training a fillies double by Flying Moth, who won the second semi-final with driver Damian Wilson for Moama trainer Tony Peacock.

By Art Major out of Moody Moth, Flying Moth had the leader’s (Keayang Secret) back and when Jason Lee’s frontrunner tired Wilson dove down the sprint lane to get a sniff of a win amid a tight finish.

Soho Angel made a big run outside and Valbarann loomed up on the pegs, but Flying Moth nudged clear to win by a head and a neck for her thrilled connections.

“She lacks a little bit of high speed but she does give her best when she’s right,” Wilson said.

“The other heat looked like the stronger heat, but she is in there with a fighting chance and with a good draw we will see what happens.”

Barrier draws:

Two-year-old fillies pacers

1: Keayang Secret
2: Soho Angel
3: Emoji
4: Perfect Sense
5: Valbarann
6: Artara
7: Flying Moth

8: Wongalea Jatz
9: Petacular
10: Six Elements
11: Chic Boutique
12: Atusa (emg)
13: Our Celebrity