Bliss for Warton in Tasmania Cup

It was a night of maiden Group 1’s for Victorian duo Ash Warton and Ewa Justice when Modern Bliss (Modern Art) ($16) delivered an upset win in the $150,000 Group 1 Ladbrokes Tasmania Cup (2579m) at a windy Hobart on Saturday night.

The 12-year-old gelded son of Modern Art began safely from his wide front-row draw and worked forward to lead the one-wide line in a faster-than-normal lead time before gaining one-one cover from the 1400m.

Justice ducked to the sprint lane at the top of the home straight, where the pacer finished off best to defeat Star Major ($3.50) by 1.8m with Mickey Oh a further 2.3m away third in a mile rate of 2:01.5s.

Ash Warton, a duel-code trainer, was lost for words post-race after his first Group 1 win.

“He might have to retire now. I wanted to retire him on a good note. He is 12-years-old and he has done a great job.

“It was a great drive, and I can’t thank Ewa enough. For a junior driver to drive like that and not panic, she has got a good future.

“It’s my first big race, we race for this (prize money) in the gallops, but it means nothing to this,” he said.

Justice followed in the footsteps of her father, John, who won the race with Shakamaker in 2000.

“I’m a bit lost for words. I knew he had a chance, but to come out and win it is unreal; I can’t really explain it,” the 21-year-old said.

“Once he paced away, I wanted to be there as I knew the moves would come.

“The front runner (Cool Water Paddy) made his intentions clear that he wanted to hold, but when Ultimate Vinnie came around, I was expecting a move from Mickey Oh or Star Major (who did move mid-race).

“Round the turn, I was jogging. I just needed a run, and when we got it, he made the most of it.

“I think the first time I drove, he used my five-point claim in a restricted, so to make it here, I can’t thank Ash enough,” Justice said.

McDonough’s Dream result

Victorian trainer-driver Allan McDonough is eyeing a start in the Queen Elizabeth II Mile at Menangle after her win in the Listed George Johnson (2090m).

In a similar effort to her heat, the $1.28 favourite was taken straight to the lead and raced away late to score by 13.1m.

“We got a cheap lead time and first quarter, and she did the rest,” McDonough said post-race.

“She has only had 13 starts now and I would likely say she will go to the breeding barn later this year as she is almost a 100 rater which makes it hard for these mares.

“I would like to take her to the Menangle for the Queen Elizabeth.

“She will handle the track ok. She might not handle Ladies In Red,” the trainer-driver grinned.

That race is scheduled for 4 May.

For complete race results, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing