Swift Sands was given a long spell by trainer Ricky Maund at Corinella before commencing her Victorian campaign. Struggling to find suitable conditions, Ricky opted to start her preparation at Geelong’s thorough track. In her first outing she dead heated for third missing by less than a length. She followed that by finishing runner up in three successive runs at the same venue. In one of those she stormed home to just miss in a photo to stable mate Tango Express. In another she made up late ground to miss by less than half a length to Tai Tai Tess despite giving the winner a 1.5 kg advantage in weights. Form analysts would have noticed that Tai Tai Tess was impressive in her next start victory at city level where she won by more than three lengths.
Ricky placed Swift Sands at a showcase race at Cranbourne yesterday for fillies and mares over 1200 metres. Katelyn Mallyon was up and she used the prized inside alley to her advantage, pushing up a touch to ensure any wannabe leaders would not cross too cheaply. Craig Williams, aboard the race favourite Your Grace did cross, and Katelyn had Swift Sands in the box seat. Swift Sands travelled comfortablyto the turn, and after rounding the bend a gap opened and Katelyn took the run. For a split second, Swift Sands was tightened for room and it appeared the mare hesitated, but then she was through and from there it was effortless. Katelyn sat up on
Swift Sands as they coasted to the line more than a length in front of Pass The Post who had sprouted wings late.
It was Swift Sands’ fourth win and took her prize money to more than $90,000. Swift Sands is by Dubai Destination from Group one placed New Zealand mare Quite Astute. The win was Ricky’s seventh for the season and lifted his winning strike rate to 25%.
