Aardie’s Express takes out Ladyship Cup

Talented New South Wales mare Aardie’s Express (Always B Miki) was able to finally win a major classic when she took out the $50,000 Group 3 Alabar Farms Ladyship Cup at Melton last night.

The mare has always shown exceptional ability in her career and last year she showed her brilliance with a dazzling 1.48.9 winning the Sibelia Stakes at Menangle Park. However she has had her share of setbacks and it’s a credit to trainer Jason Grimson that he has persisted with her to such levels.

In last night’s win from the outside of the front row, driver Cameron Hart was content to ease back while the leaders ran a blistering 26.7 seconds for the first quarter. My Moonlite Dream showing her customary early speed worked to the lead but when the tempo slackened Aardie’s Express worked around the field to sit alongside the leader. Favourite Eye Keep Smiling had the one out one back and was poised to strike on the final bend.

But Aardie’s Express took over and in the home straight she defied all challenges to comfortably hold off Eye Keep Smiling with Sweet Bella a distant third. If there was a hard luck story it would have applied to Sweet Mama who was buried back on the rails with no chance to have a crack at the leaders. When she did get clear it was notable how quickly she was making up ground and she just missed a placing.

Cameron Hart was understandably delighted after the race.

“She’s unbelievable” declared Hart after the event. “She’s just a great mare and really I am privileged to sit behind her. I’ve probably not had as many big wins as I would have liked but really happy to break through in a big race like this tonight.”

“I was pleased when they ran the first quarter in 26.7 seconds. She’s best driven out of the speed early and then she has the strength to get into it. After that first quarter I was able to whip around in the slowest quarter and that suited her. It’s great to have success on these nights as to bring horses down to Victoria and win is a great result for the team.”

The win capped off a great night for both Grimson and Hart as they had combined just 30 minutes before to take out the Hunter Cup with Swayzee and Hart had won the opening event with Hezasweetie (Sweet Lou).

Their wins continued the success of New South Wales raiders on big races in Victoria and prove the contention that interstate competition is beneficial for harness racing in general.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink