Trainer Craig Hayes continued his excellent strike rate of first starters winning on debut, when Judysmemum became the fifth consecutive first starter to win on debut from the Hayes stable, when the filly claimed the $14,000 Liza Storm (2180m) in Burnie on Friday night.
Driven by Gareth Rattray, the daughter of Always B Miki was sent out as the $2.05 favourite, and was positioned outside the leader in the Fillies and Mares mobile start Maiden event.
Rattray took Judysmemum to the lead passing the 400m, with the daughter of Always B Miki racing away from her rivals to record a 19.7m win over Broadway Bling ($31) and Just Likea Dream ($3.20) in a mile rate of 2:01.5s.
Judysmemum is out of Tania Maree and is a half-relation to two-time Burnie Cup winner Mister Gently, Melnrowley, whose wins included the Evicus, Nurse Anna, who won four races, including the 2022 Liza Storm, and Kingoftheklondike, being another of her progeny.
The win was the first leg of a driving double for Gareth Rattray, who partnered the Heath Szczypka-trained Royal Cadence ($1.95 fav) later in the program.
Friday’s meeting also saw two heats of the North West Plate held, with Can Feel The Fury ($7.50) overcoming a 10m handicap to win the first heat by 3.4m for Liam Older, with the win being a middle leg of a training treble for Wayne Yole who also prepared Kenya ($14) and Rock On Playboy ($4.60) to victory on the program.
Yole was denied four winners in the second heat of the North West Plate when Smooth Deal ($6.50) was run down in the final few strides by the Tammy Langley-trained Denny ($6), with Dylan Ford in the sulky. It should be a keenly contested final at the club’s next meeting on 26 December.
Conor Crook and Jordan Chibnall continued their excellent form in recent weeks, combining for a double with Online Model ($4.40) and Far Left Fletch ($2.35 fav).
Reinsman Kayleb Williams escaped injury after Laid Back Kenny fell during the score up in race six. Stewards reported that post-race veterinary examination of Laid Back Kenny revealed abrasions to the near side eye and shoulder, which required treatment by the on-track veterinary officer.
