MOLLY KELLY
CONNECTIONS of exciting youngster Molly Kelly hope she can continue to emulate her famous sibling when she contests next week’s Ladbrokes Australian Pacing Gold Final.
By Four Starzzz Shark from Jackie Kelly, the two-year-old is a sister to one of the best mares produced in the past decade – Frith.
Recently-retired with a bankroll of $1,180,345, Frith was successful at her first four starts, with the fourth win coming at Group One level.
Like Frith, the Emma Stewart-trained filly is unbeaten, with her latest triumph coming in an APG semi at Tabcorp Park Melton last night.
Next Saturday night, Molly Kelly will be among the favourites in the $322,000 decider – which will also double her fourth start!
“It would be nice if it worked out that way,” Stewart said. “So far she has done everything right and is certainly on track to make it happen.
“We’ll just have to see the draw first, then how the race pans out.”
Driven by Chris Alford, Molly Kelly led throughout to score from her stablemate Nostra Beach, with Callmequeenbee third for New South Wales horseman Matt Rue.
Covering the last half in 55.1 seconds, Molly Kelly rated 1:56.5 over 1720 metres, with her time 1.2 seconds quicker than Fiore Stride in the second semi.
After working hard in the ‘death seat’ with John Caldow holding the reins, Fiore Stride proved too strong as Just Makemine Diamonds and Passions Delight filled the placings.
Trained in New South Wales by Craig Cross, the filly stretched her tally to two wins and two placings from four starts.
“That was a pretty good run, which will do her the world of good,” Cross said. “She is getting better every time she goes around and that will top her right up for the Final.”
By Art Major from Under The Mattress, Fiore Stride is a half-sister to fellow APG graduate Smolda.
