Filly too hot for her rivals
The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Two Illicit announced herself as a serious Group I New Zealand Derby (2400m) contender when she simply blew her rivals off the track at Te Rapa yesterday.
The Jimmy Choux filly elected to take on the boys alongside potential Derby rival Travelling Light in the $100,000 Group II Waikato Guineas (2000m) and she gave them all a lesson as she streaked clear to win the agegroup feature by 71⁄2 lengths.
Ridden a treat by regular pilot Vinnie Colgan, Two Illicit settled back off a hot speed before travelling nicely into contention before the home bend. Tracked at every stride by Travelling Light, Two Illicit simply sprinted away from the $1.45 favourite as she cleared out for a massive victory.
An emotional James was sporting a wide grin as he accepted congratulations in the Te Rapa birdcage after the race.
‘‘I think we saw something a bit special,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m just thrilled that she has fulfilled what I thought she could.
‘‘When she worked last Sunday, it gave me goose bumps. I said to Robert [Wellwood] that I’ve been lucky enough to have some good three-year-olds and I reckon this filly will rank right up with them.
‘‘It made me nervous when I looked at the racebook when I got here today as I’ve won the race three times before and twice with fillies that have gone on and won the Derby.
‘‘She’s got big shoes to fill but the more I do with her the better she gets.’’
James advised he would now sit down with Two Illicit’s owners to discuss whether she will head to the Derby at Ellerslie on February 29.
The race was robbed of plenty of interest due to the scratching of Derby favourite Dragon Leap on race morning due to an elevated temperature.