Ready to take on the boys

Talented Love You filly Tough Love is ready for her next target.

That is to take on the boys in next week’s New South Wales Trotters Derby.

Fresh after winning tonight’s Group 1 NSW Trotters Oaks at Menangle, trainer-driver Rickie Alchin believes his filly is up to the challenge.

“The Derby is on next week and it’s hard to pass up a $50,000 race in your own backyard,” said Alchin who trains his horses on the Menangle track.

“If she pulls up well after tonight we’ll take on the boys.”

Tough Love obtained her biggest win to date tonight, taking out the time-honoured classic by the barest of margins.

Driven forward off the gate, Alchin speared Tough Love to the lead where she remained throughout the 2300m feature.

The speed was moderate early with a lead time of 53.5 second and first quarter in 31.4, however, the tempo quickened from there with the final three quarters in 29.3, 28.2 and 29.9 seconds.

Victorian filly Amandine savaged the line and finished a head behind Tough Love with Taimate Sass in third place.

The mile rate was 2:00.5.

“I wouldn’t want another stride but we held on,” said Alchin.

“She’s a beautiful filly.

“She’s a high speed horse and has a big future.”

Alchin obtained a Group double tonight also winning the Group 1 APG Bullion Consolation at Menangle with Captain Crusader and Crunch Time was victorious at Albion Park, Queensland, shortly after.

It has been a big year for Alchin who had already trained and drove two Group 1 winners with Tardelli and Soho Rhapsody at the Bathurst Gold Crown Final in March.

To view the results from Menangle on Saturday night click here.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink