The future of Park Life remains unclear.
Following a short but glittering rookie campaign which netted her a Group 1 victory in the $322,000 Australian Pacing Gold Fillies Final at Menangle in Sydney, the Wayne Graham trainee was shut down after developing stress fractures.
The Sydney success was her final start of the season when she proved successful defeating Perfect Sense and Pectacular, the latter being crowned the Australian Pacing Filly of the Year at seasons end.
Ultimately, Park Life was forced to miss her home state features including both the Breeders Classic and the QBRED Triad during the winter carnival.
Park Life has been out of action for the past five months and a visit to the Gatton University Equine Clinic yesterday failed to reveal any change.
“It looks like she needs another two or three months out, the experts aren’t completely satisfied she has healed properly so they recommended more time off. As it stands, Nellie (stable name) won’t return to work until the New Year which is a little disappointing but it’s just the way it is.” Regular driver Shane Graham said.
Given a January return and a clear run with training, the timetable to be ready for several interstate features looks remote but connections are hopeful she will be right for local features in the latter half of the season.
But there are no guarantees.
The Rock N Roll Heaven – Strawbs Interact filly won 3 of her 6 starts while being placed in the other starts.
Her victory in the APG Final was the clear highlight but her eye-catching debut against the colts in the Gr.3 Wayne Wilson Paleface Adios Classic when third behind Maestro Bellini and Clintal Do was also impressive.
But connections are hopeful she may still be a winner this weekend with the filly amongst finalists for the Queensland Horse of the Year, the awards ceremony taking place on Sunday night.
Park Life is vying for the title against the likes of Avonnova, Ultimate Art, Maestro Bellini, Catcha Lefty and star trotter Our Overanova.
