Jilliby Willow holds on in Angelique Classic

Smart mare Jilliby Willow (Captaintreacherous) added to her impressive harness racing record when she led all the way to win the listed Angelique Classic at Melton last night. 

Already the winner of the Terang Cup earlier in the year, Jilliby Willow was a solid second favourite behind the favourite Rakero Rebel who had previously scored in the Group 1 Queen of the Pacific a fortnight ago.

A bold move by driver Jason Lee early on to whip around to take the lead from Sew What proved to be the winning tactic. Rakero Rebel was forced to go three wide when the field settled down and she had to race outside the leader. Sew What who had led early, opted for the trail. 

Jilliby Willow skipped away with a fast 26.9 seconds third quarter but she tired down the straight and she just held off Sew What and Rakero Rebel. 

Jilliby Willow digs in to take out the The Angelique for Jason and Margaret Lee. pic.twitter.com/EgYq7B96tj

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) October 26, 2024

A relieved Jason Lee stated “We could have lit her up and cross early but it might have brought us undone in the end. I was driving to beat Greg (abroad Rakero Rebel). Thankfully we hung on.  I was pretty confident.”

The Angelique is named after the great mare of the 60s who competed against the very best of her time and was one of the first mares to win open classic features. Prepared by the late maestro Gordon Rothacker who dominated the Melbourne trotting scene from its earliest days, Angelique contested 138 races for 45 wins and 49 placings. Included in her wins were the Victorian Oaks, the Lady Brooks Cup ( twice) SA Trotting Cup, two heats of the 1964 Inter Dominion.

She raced against horses such as Cardigan Bay, Minuteman, Robin Dundee, Dales Gift and Tactile. As a six year old she equalled Cardigan Bay’s Showgrounds track record for 14 furlongs standing start in the Lady Brooks Cup.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink