Bargain filly makes Mum smile

BARGAIN buy Imelda Mary added a second Group Two victory to her burgeoning record when she downed her three-yearold female rivals in the Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa.

Trainer Wayne Hillis paid just $3500 for Imelda Mary when purchasing her from the Haunui Farm draft at the 2017 National Yearling Sale. Yesterday’s win took her career earnings past the $168,000 mark as she posted her third win from 15 starts, a record that includes success in the Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.

Given the run of the race by rider Cameron Lammas, the Ferlax filly travelled up sweetly throughout before issuing her challenge on the home bend.

Sent to the front by Lammas, Imelda Mary kept up a powerful gallop to hold out the late challenge of Awapuni visitor Sentimental Miss, with race favourite Queen Of Diamonds close up in third.

Hillis was delighted with the ride by Lammas after his charge received the perfect run in transit from an inside barrier draw.

‘‘She hit the lead as they straightened and had to fight them off all the way up the straight, so it was very brave.’’ Hillis, who named the filly after his mother, will now seek Group One glory in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on March 16, with Imelda Mary indicating the step up in distance will be to her liking.

‘‘She has always looked like distance will be her go,’’ he said.

‘‘Mum is getting a real kick out of it. It’s a fairytale.’’