All of a sudden, the barrier draw is crucial to the outcome of the harness racing Gr.2 $80,000 Garrards Redcliffe Yearling Sale Series No.7 Final next Friday (June 5).
Under the conditions of the series, preferential barrier preference is given to fillies that qualify for the rich final.
And after the four heats were contested tonight (Wednesday), the fairer sex made a clean sweep following the victories of Charlyse, Covert Beauty, Shezabonnygem and Aussie Vista.
A total of six fillies qualified for the final with the four remaining spots going to the boy’s.
The opening heat went the way of the highly regarded first starter Charlyse for trainer/driver Darren Weeks who led throughout to score easily by a widening margin from Earl Jujon and Timmo Time in a mile rate of 2;00.9 for the 1780m.
The Changeover – Gliding Atom filly rated the quickest time of the four heats staged.
Heat two was taken out by race favourite Covert Beauty who gained control soon after the start before scoring comfortably from a game debutant in Bella Rippin and Wishitwasheaven in a time of 2;01.6
Prepared by Mark Dux and handled by Pete McMullen, the Art Official – Our Lillyfield filly has now won three of her four starts to date.
In heat three, promising type Shezabonnygem was able to race to the early lead and dictate terms before racing clear over the concluding stages to defeat Riverleigh Dolly and Ivan The Third in a time of 2;03.1.
Trained and driven by Grant Dixon, the South Park Hanover – Bonny Willow filly broke maiden ranks with this victory.
In the fourth and final heat, race favourite Mucho Macho Man couldn’t reel in speedy filly Aussie Vista who led throughout after starting from the ace draw in a time of 2;01.1 with first starter Leos Best catching the eye with his fast finishing third.
Trained by Shane Sanderson, the Tintin In America – Terranora Vista Filly provided star young reinsman Pete McMullen with a double for the night.
The final field is; (not in barrier draw order) Charlyse, Earl Jujon, Timmo Time, Covert Beauty, Bella Rippin, Shezabonnygem, Riverleigh Dolly, Aussie Vista, Mucho Macho Man and Leos Best.
The barrier draw will be conducted next Tuesday (June 2).
A total of 30 two-year-olds contested the heats which is almost a third of the yearling sale staged last year by Darren Ebert & Co. Auctioneers which left club officials thrilled.
Racing Queensland
