Kelly Wins  Debut

Bruce Stewart Contributor

The winning debut of Braeview Kelly at Ascot Park on Saturday came just a week after her impressive qualifying effort on the same course.

The two-year-old Bettor’s Delight filly, trained at Gore by Tony Stratford, had cleared out in the hands of Stratford to win her five-horse 2200 metre trial by 11 and a quarter lengths in 2:49.1.

Braeview Kelly winning at Ascot Park – Photo Monica Toretto

For raceday, champion New Zealand reinsman Blair Orange took over the reins and Braeview Kelly faced a full field of 14 for the first time. Despite a second line draw, she shaved all but three seconds off her qualifying time when scoring by a length and a quarter.

“That was just her third time off the place,” said Stratford, “the trial was the first time she had been among that many horses.”

Braeview Kelly, second foal of the one-win American Ideal mare Idoloise, was a $27,500 purchase at the 2019 Christchurch yearling sales by Braeview Limited, the company of prominent Waimumu owners Paul and Mandy Pearce. Stratford also prepares Renegade Rose, a winner for Braeview Limited in 155.5 at Wyndham in November.

“I got Braeview Kelly straight from the sales to break in,” Stratford said, “she wasn’t rushed but was ready to go when lockdown came. She had time off then I got her ready for the trial. Because she did so well I continued on to today but I’ll have to back off again now and look for a two year old race.”

Having won against all ages, Stratford pointed out he has to be careful where he places her. However, because Braeview Kelly is nominated for the major series, there will be plenty to aim at in the future.

Braeview Kelly was one of three winners for Orange on a day when all ten races were mobile start 2200 metre contests. His wins included the Michael House-trained Matrika in another of the races for non-winners. Both recorded a winning time of 2:46.2.

Third win for Orange was the Brian Norman-prepared trotter Windsor who got up the passing lane to nab the Phil Williamson trained and Matthew Williamson driven Horse Of Course by half a neck. This denied the Williamsons a clean sweep of the trots having earlier won with Miss Crazed and later with Ultimate Stride.

However, Matthew got his three by way of success behind Deus Ex. Trained by Geoff and Jude Knight, the four year-old recorded the day’s fastest time of 2:43.5.

The combination of Mark Hurrell and Amber Hoffman struck twice with the back-to-back wins of Sheeza Sport and Payment Plan.