The expectations were high as the field lined up for the Home Loans Providing Solutions SA BOTRA Three-Year-Old Fillies Prelude (2230m).
The quality Victorian Lovelist, trained by Emma Stewart, had been backed from $2 into $1.60 favourite, from gate six and she was to tackle the star South Australian filly Whats Emma Got ($2.50) who was to come from gate seven.
Despite the wide draw, many thought the SA filly could lead but when the mobile pulled away, the Victorian, driven by David Harding, came out just as quick and was able to cross and lead and force Whats Emma Got to sit outside.
Driver Danni Hill wisely eased Whats Emma Got back and not get into a race with the favourite early but none of her rivals contemplated coming around to take her spot.
As expected, the race heated up down the back straight on the final lap but Lovelist was back to her best and drew away to score easily by 24 metres with Whats Emma Got holding on for second a long neck in front of Linvel Ann ($34.30).
“It was always the plan to lead,” Harding said. “Once in front she settled well and I knew she would take a power of beating.
“She is a good quality filly, but just one of many in Emma’s team, and this BOTRA series looked ideal for her.”
Whats Emma Got was certainly not disgraced in another excellent effort and takes her career record to 18 wins, four seconds and a third from 23 starts, and she is yet to miss a place.
The filly had her first start on Friday under a new trainer – Team Fuller – which includes former trainer Glenda Fuller and her daughter Sharon Newman, the filly’s owner.
“Actually Team Fuller allows us to include by husband Neville who also is as great help,” Glenda Fuller said.
Despite a broken shoulder, suffered just over a week earlier, Glenda was out and about to supervise on Friday night.
“I actually have been able to move my fingers and do a few small jobs today. It is still really awkward but I’m glad I have Team Fuller to help out with the horses.”
