Delizioso wins Nutrien Final for 2YO fillies at her only second start

Bargain purchase Delizioso (Ride High) gave her young harness racing driver Abbey Turnbull her biggest success to date when she finished too well to take out the Listed $200,000 Nutrien Equine Classic final for two year old fillies at Melton on Friday night.

Having only her second race start Delizioso had put the writing on the wall at her debut in her Heat when she finished second to Frolicnearthesea.

DELIZIOSO APR 11 REPLAY

In a fast run race early New South Wales visitor Conciliate was heavily backed favourite and held out the led and Delizioso drawn next to her just dropped in to secure the trail. Willows Girl went up around the field to race outside the leader but not for long. Frolicnearthesea who looked so impressive winning her heat last week raced up quickly to put the pressure on Conciliate.

The pair were locked together on the final bend but Delizioso was eased up and poised to make her run. Fiction File who was well back early started to work her way through the field and driver Greg Sugars let her four wide down the outside. She looked likely to score but Delizioso showing real heart refused to give in and she was able to win by just on a metre from Fiction File with Frolicbythesea holding on for third in front of Conciliate.

The filly was purchased by Erica Tongs and Mick Boots, Maddie Ray and Rebecca Cartwright on the advice of Boots for just $5,000.

Abbey Turnbull was full of emotion after the race.

“It was just the most amazing feeling. Dad (trainer Craig) and Maddie have put so much work into this horse. All credit goes to them. We can’t thank Mick Boots and Erica enough for the opportunity. They’re just so generous and give so many people a go in the game. Mick actually gifted us our share in the filly.

“We are so grateful to be part of her journey.”

“We thought if Ricky gets in front and it’s a truly run race and I knew she’d be up there with them. We got a bit of luck tonight. It was a huge ask for just her second start.”

Abbey helps father Craig with 19 horses in work. “I was full time with the horse before I took work as a dermal therapist which I’m passionate about.”

“She had a lot of character as a youngster and she’s come along well. We’ll give her a spell and she’ll make a good two year old.”

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink