Champion trainer Chris Waller has produced another talented campaigner at his home track of Rosehill Gardens in the form of three-year-old filly Pretty Wild ($5).
The Brazen Beau progeny has sustained a powerful finish to hold off her more favoured rival Pizarro ($3.50F) by a half neck, with Smashing Eagle ($6.50) a further one and three quarter lengths back in third position.
When scanning through the ownership of Pretty Wild you come across some famous local names. Former Channel 7 Sunrise presenter Samantha Armytage appears in the books, alongside former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke.
Waller was happy to produce the goods for his well known clients.
“It’s a good group of owners that are very enthusiastic and there’s nothing like winning races so they’ll enjoy the moment,” Waller said.
“She’s had a really good prep and probably can win a few more races next time around as well.”
After settling third in clear running during the early stages, Pretty Wild was popped the question by hoop Kathy O’Hara after straightening and held them all off in a determined display. O’Hara had ridden the filly in her previous outing when second at Randwick three weeks earlier.
“Beautiful ride from Kathy O’Hara who rode her last start as well, and obviously having that knowledge is a big thing and she made the most of a good barrier draw,” Waller said.
“Had her travelling and executed at the right time and Hughie Bowman (rider of second-placed Pizarro) couldn’t catch her.”
Although already building up a promising record of two wins and a second from just three outings on rain affected going, Waller believes she could be even better on top of the ground.
“(Sire) Brazen Beau himself was much better on the better surfaces and she’s very much in that mould,” Waller said.
“She’s a short striding horse, plenty of speed, and those types of horses in my opinion are better on good tracks.”
Jockey O’Hara was also adamant there was more in store for the lightly-raced filly.
“She’s definitely got above average metropolitan ability,” O’Hara said.
“I think she’s got enough talent there to progress into stronger races, there’s still plenty of developing for her.
“I like her attitude, she got a lot of sass about her, but she puts it into her races which is a good thing.
“She’s progressing and I think whatever she’s doing now she’s definitely going to improve on with a little bit of time.”
