Angel Of Harlem wins at Pinjarra

Hazelmere trainer Mike Reed is hopeful Angel Of Harlem’s win at Pinjarra is a much-needed confidence boost and a sign of better things to come.

The former high-priced Kiwi filly, driven by Reed’s son Mark, raced away over the final 100m to easily win the $30,000 Dainty’s Daughter Classic (2185m).

Rating 1.56.0, Angel Of Harlem defeated Amelias Courage with hot favourite Infinite Symbol weakening to third after leading for Ryan Warwick.

Previously trained by Barry Ward in New Zealand, Angel Of Harlem landed in Perth with a big reputation after placings in the Harness Jewels and Australasian Breeders Crown as a two-year-old last season.

But from the time of her purchase nothing has gone Angel Of Harlem’s way with a series of frustrating issues holding her back, a WA Oaks prelude victory the only bright spot in her maiden Perth campaign.

Reed said he breathed a sigh of relief after Angel Of Harlem won on Monday.

“He is one of the unluckiest horses I have ever had,” Reed told Tabradio.

“When we bought her we flew her to Melbourne and she was there for nearly a month waiting for a plane.

“After we finally got her back she got a cold, then she raced and choked down behind the leader.

“Even in the Oaks final if she had a bit of luck she would have won it.

“She has just been one of those unluckiest of horses.

“Hopefully she keeps improving and we see the real Angel Of Harlem.”

Angel Of Harlem’s victory took her record to five wins and seven placings for prize money of $117,210.

Reed said he had no firm long-term plans for Angel Of Harlem, other than to take a patient and cautious approach.

“We will just race her through the classes,” Reed said.

“She has pulled up good and will race at Gloucester Park on Friday night.”

Meanwhile Reed said Bletchley Park, a close runner-up to Franco Edward in Friday’s Golden Slipper, had been spelled.

“He will have six to eight weeks off,” Reed said.

“He will bulk up which I think he needs to do.

“He will come back looking magnificent.”

Julio Santarelli