Promiseland takes Mares classic in boilover

Trainer Dylan Xerri prepared his first win as a trainer when his five year old mare Promiseland (Bettors Delight) scored a surprise win over her more fancied rivals in the Listed Mares classic Adore Me Stakes at Menangle Park last night. As a further bonus his first win was in a listed classic so it is sure to be race he won’t forget.

Virtually friendless in the betting Promiseland was taken back in the field by driver Bayley McDonough.

Speedy mare My Moonlite Dream easily won the start but in due course surrendered the lead to Ilvabubbles. At this point the favourite Aardie’s Express who had angled for the one out and one back trail was left facing the breeze.

Towards the business end of the event Aardie’s Express slowly but surely gained the upper hand over Ilvabubbles but Pandaia issued a strong challenge. Then in a blanket finish both Promiseland and Tay Tay sprouted wings out wide to fight out the finish.

Promiseland prevailed by a neck over Tay Tay with Aardie’s Express a close third ahead of Shez Sweet Louise.  The mares returned a mile rate of 1.50.3 with a 26.7 seconds final quarter.

Owned and bred by the Sloys Company Promiseland had been a model of consistency but had not won since last April when at that stage she was trained by Freddy Taiba.

PROMISELAND REPLAY

Dylan Xerri was naturally thrilled following the event.

“I’m in shock, it hasn’t sunk in yet. When I saw her go over the line I thought she had won a Group 1. I’m so proud of the mare, she’s been so consistent she deserved to win. I didn’t expect to win but I’ll take it.”

Xerri was unsure of future plans for Promiseland.

“I might give her a freshen up she’s probably deserved that. Hopefully she pulls up well tonight and we’ll go from there.”

Aardie’s Express was far from disgraced in finishing a close third. She had done a power of work outside the leader in a fast run race and was obviously a sitting duck for those coming from behind. She still ranks highly in some of the forthcoming mares classics.

The Alabar Ladyship Cup at Melton in a fortnight looms large for those who ran last night and some keen racing beckons on the strength of an entertaining  and talented group of mares.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink