“She’s just like a motorcar”

Star Mach Three mare Ladies In Red solidified her stance as one of the top pacers in Australia taking out harness racing’s $305,000 Group 1 Rising Sun at Albion Park tonight.

Upstaging her more seasoned rivals, Ladies In Red was the only mare in the 12-horse field but that did not bother her one bit.

Driven straight to the front by driver Nathan Jack, Ladies In Red left her rivals chasing clocking 1:54.3 in the 2138m test.

For perspective, Amazing Dream rated 1:54.9 in last year’s edition.

“You think she can’t do it but she comes out and does the unthinkable,” said Jack.

“She just proved everyone wrong and everyone will look at her a bit differently now that’s for sure.

“You can start and stop her, talk to her and she just goes.

“She’s like a motorcar.”

At just her 23rd start, Ladies In Red added a fifth Group 1 to her list of credits with this victory pushing her earnings to $789,420.

To do so, Ladies In Red went through the quarters in 30.3, 29.1, 28.1 and 27.3 seconds to hold out Chariots Of Fire winner Better Eclipse by more than 11m with Leap To Fame close behind in third.

LADIES IN RED REPLAY

Ladies In Red was bred and is raced by Bill and Anne Anderson of Lauriston Bloodstock who intimated they have no plans of retiring her to the breeding barn any time soon.

“She’s just plain but has a heart of gold,” said Bill.

“We’re about racing just as much as we are breeding but we’ll probably race her for at least a couple more years.”

Born at the Anderson’s farm, the four-year-old mare was not an eye-catcher when born.

“There was nothing special about her,” said Anne.

“She was the boss of the group, so I guess that was a good sign but she was just plain to look at.”

This win gave trainer Emma Stewart her 99th Group 1 victory.

For complete results, click here.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink