Fernleigh Blackbird in the form of her life

Bruce Stewart Contributor

Harness racing owner Trevor Ryder wasn’t sure how Fernleigh Blackbird (He’s Watching) would go in the $20,000 Southern Standardbred Breeders Southern Belle Series Mobile Pace at Wyndham today.

Fernleigh Blackbird warming up before her Wyndham win (Bruce Stewart Photo)

He suggested it might be a step up in class but he needn’t have worried as trainer driver Kirstin Green pushed the turbo button to take an early lead into the first bend before handing up to favourite Kahlua Flybye.

“It worked out really well. I thought Tim (Williams) would come forward at some stage but it was a lot quicker than expected,” Green said.

Kahlua Flybye leaving the gate (Bruce Stewart)

Kahlua Flybye took Fernleigh Blackbird to the passing lane and once Green balanced her mare up she let down nicely to win by a neck from a fast finishing Advance Party with Tayla Me a length back in third.

Fernleigh Blackbird winning at Wyndham (Bruce Stewart Photo)

“We’ve found out you can use her early if you give her a breather. Being in the trail she was able to catch her breath and finish it off.”

Today’s win was the five year olds career seventh and her third this season. She’s in the best form of her life.

“She’s just a happy horse. We work her in front of the young one and everyone drives her at home. Jason (McMath) has been learning to drive her.”

The $40,000 final of the Southern Belle will be run at Winton on Saturday 13^th April.

The win was one of three for Green. Sally Lindenny (Majestic Son) recorded her second win in a row and her eleventh career win in the Danny Crengle Shearing Handicap Trot.

Sally Lindenny winning her eleventh race at Wyndham (Bruce Stewart Photo)

Owned by Murray Swain today’s win today took her earnings to over $100,000. However her racing days are coming to an end as she’s in foal to Royal Aspirations.

Later in the day Captain Meister (Captaintreacherous) returned to winning form in the Craig Ferguson Racing Stables Mobile Pace. The talented four year old has now won three of his ten starts.