3 minute read

Typical of a trainer, Greg Hickman’s biggest concern prior to Our Bellagio Miss winning the first ever running of a $100,000 Midway Handicap was that everything seemed too perfect.

The four-year-old mare camped behind the speed over the Rosehill 1100m before letting down powerfully late, justifying favouritism.

The inaugural Midway Handicap goes to @HickmanRacing mare Our Bellagio Miss and @TommyBerry21 defeating Just Field and Wander at @rosehillgardens. @tabcomau @7horseracing pic.twitter.com/MnM3i28I7a

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) July 3, 2021

"It was a bit nerve-racking early, when everything was right. Her work was good on Tuesday, the track was perfect but she won very, very well," said the Warwick Farm-based trainer.

"I didn't think we'd be that far back but they obviously overdid it early."

Punters Intelligence reveals that Our Bellagio Miss clocked 34.67s for her last 600m, holding off a late charge from runner up Just Field (34.15s).

"We're hoping this will give her some confidence, we've always had a good opinion of her but she had a tying up problem. We've sorted that out and hopefully it's onwards and upwards," said Greg Hickman.

Tommy Berry revealed that he was booked to ride Our Bellagio Miss some time ago, with Hickman perfecting the knack of preparing horses for target races.

"Greg had her in really good form today, she was nice and relaxed going to the gates," said Berry.

"I thought I'd be a lot closer in the run and I didn't think the speed was that fast, it was genuine, so I was surprised she got as far back as she did but it might be the way to ride her, it was good to see her attack the line.

"This is another great initiative (from Racing NSW), it's 10 races on a Saturday so it's a long day but when you're winning them it's not too bad."