Filly Slater to make debut

IF three-year-old Filly Slater runs anything like the Far North rugby league legend she was named after, Tolga trainer Ray Moller will be a very happy man.

The bay filly, by Strictly Ballroom from Jointure, will make her racing debut in the $15,000 Maiden Handicap over 950m at Cannon Park this Saturday.

Moller, realistic in his expectations, said he would be more than happy to see Filly Slater finish in the first half of the field.

“She’s only ever been around the track when there’s one or two other horses,” Moller said.

“When she jumps in a field of about 12 on Saturday, she’s probably going to feel out of her comfort zone, getting bustled around and pushed and shoved.

“I think it’ll be a big experience for her.”

Moller said Filly Slater had become a cult favourite on the Tablelands despite not having run a race, thanks to her name.

“Most people laugh when they hear it,” the trainer said.

“The owners named her – they’re football-crazy people.

“It’s a catchy little name and quite funny.

“Whenever you throw a jockey up there, they get a bit of a laugh out of it.”

Former leading Cairns jockey Emily Cass, who returned to the saddle for the first time in more than two years at Cooktown this month, will take the ride on Filly Slater.

“With the jockey shortage that’s going on, she’s been helping me a lot,” Moller said.

“She’s on the comeback trail and it would be nice for her if they could both do well together.”

Moller had originally planned to debut Filly Slater at Innisfail Turf Club’s Banana Race Day in August.

“I wanted to start her in Billy Slater country, but it wasn’t to be,” he said.

“I reckon they would’ve liked her down there.”

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