3 minute read
If the task conflicted with Alison Smith’s racing beliefs, the vibes from Billabong Isle through her spectacular winning treble are compelling.
The flying filly is drawn midfield in Saturday's TAB $100,000 Royal Randwick Class 3 Highway, 1200m against older gallopers in stronger grade, but with the conviction of a double at Dubbo and a Wellington runaway in smart times with weight at 1100m.
In a hot episode, a major focus will be the return of boom Riverina sprinter Participator who was scratched when short odds from an early-season Highway and will be favourite again with the influence of Hugh Bowman.
The unbeaten favourite trialled hard-held at Albury two weeks ago. All the opposition, including Alison Smith, are under no illusions.
"It's a big ask running a filly against older and more experienced horses, and she just kept finding lengths, but we're still weighing things up after the barrier (11) - it's a really strong field," offered a guarded riding mum, Alison, the only trainer based on track at Orange who rides the striking chestnut trackwork.
Billabong Isle who has won her treble by a total of six lengths is weighted on 55kg, less the 2.5kg claim for outstanding apprentice Tyler Schiller as Alison attempts to win her first TAB Highway.
"We haven't got high expectations, six starts, up in grade but that's why we've claimed.
"Her win at Dubbo was enormous, drew out in a big field, three and four-wide and just kept finding - so brave," Alison explained.
"And she led and won so easily again at Wellington ($1.70) up in weight."
Alison is considering options of staying at the regionals with a stack more weight and racing for a lot less prizemoney.
"In the early Highways (2016) I was beaten a head with my good horse Absolute Cracker. He won five races and a Warwick Farm mid-weeker.
"This filly is really progressive; first time out to 1200m, but that's why we've claimed. She had 58kg last start.
"But if it doesn't work for us this time, we'll come back after a spell while she's still eligible and a more mature and stronger mare."
Billabong Isle is by Japanese sire Mikki Isle and her dam Tejon was a performed sprinter winning five races and placed in seven in Victoria. She is an Encosta de Lago protégé.
If the track is rain-affected (currently a Good 4 but there are showers about), Billabong Isle has won twice on soft tracks. But all eyes and most money is on Participator and Bowman.
