Swiftly Red (4m. Testa Rossa – General Resolve by General Nediym) broke through for her long awaited maiden win at Sale this afternoon for Mornington-based trainer Tony Noonan to also claim the $14,000 VOBIS Gold owners bonus for Laurel Oak Bloodstock.
The 4-year-old Testa Rossa mare appears back to her best following her last preparation which Noonan described as “disappointing”.
“She showed a lot as a 3-year-old and she’s finally enjoying her racing again,” Noonan said.
“I’m rapt for Louis Mihalyka and his crew at Laurel Oak who race a lot of horses with us.
“With the VOBIS bonus available here, we targeted the mare at this race and it’s just a great feeling when plans come to fruition like this because we knew she had the ability to win and it was just a matter of getting her to focus.
“At the start of the prep, I was confident that she would be racing in the city by the end of this prep so I look forward to seeing her work through the grades.”
Jumping from barrier 6 in the field of 14, jockey Nick Hall appeared in trouble early when Swiftly Red started pulling and racing keenly.
Amidst the big field, Hall maneuvered Swiftly Red to the outside with cover to travel forward of midfield enabling the mare to eventually settle.
“I was a little bit worried when she started to overrace but Nick did a great job getting her to relax and give her open running room which is what she has always needed to focus on her job,” Noonan said.
Upon straightening, the gap opened for Hall to bring Swiftly Red ($4.60) into the race where she hit the lead at the 150m mark and hold off the field to score by 1.75L from Sequins ‘N’ Spice ($14) and Lexinator ($4.40F) in third.
Race replay: Race 4 Sale 08 Feb 15
Article sourced from Tony Noonan Racing
