A Group success at first metropolitan drive

Not only does Gusman drive the filly, but she bred, owns and trains her too.

“She’s the fifth foal and the fifth winner out of my mare Shes Norma Jeane,” Charlene said.

“She’s a little bit headstrong and has got of lot to improve on,” she said. “But she’s a nice filly.”

Clives Girl’s main targets this season are the Breeders Crown and Vicbred Super Series.

Gusman named her in honour of retired trainer and close friend Clive Smith, who she was stabled with when based at Kilmore.

“She was always Clive’s favourite,” she said.

Gusman bought Shes Norma Jeane, an Art Major mare from the prized Parisienne tribe, for a substantial sum after she finished second in the 2010 South Australian Oaks. She won three races with her including a country front at Melton before injuring a suspensory ligament.

Undoubtedly the best of Shes Norma Jeane’s progeny is talented three-year-old Hes Charlies Angel (Sweet Lou), a winner of four races to date and a placegetter in last year’s Home Grown Classic.

Lola Montez, a winner of six races, Shesalwaysdreaming (6 wins) and All My Savings (5 wins) were others out of Shes Norma Jeane.

Since producing Clives Girl in 2019, Shes Norma Jeane has left a yearling filly by Downbytheseaside and a weanling colt by Captaintreacherous.

“She’s in foal to Sweet Lou and is due in mid-November,” Charlene said.

“Every year she gives me a foal and I try to be patient with them and I’m rewarded.”

Charlene has trained the winners of 29 races in her fledgling career.

For complete race results, click here.

by Peter Wharton, for HRV