Tenaciously and Smirkin Serene prevail in Breeders Heats at Bathurst

Honest filly Tenaciously (Art Major) was rewarded for her consistency when she sprinted clear to take out the Nutrien Equine New South Wales Breeders Challenge Heat at Bathurst for three year old fillies on Wednesday evening.

Initially favourite in pre race betting, Tenaciously was eased back at the start by driver Brad Hewitt  to take a trail behind the eventual heavily backed favourite Auntie Lou.

TENACIOUSLY SEP 24 REPLAY

Auntie Lou driven by Isobel Ross for Steve Turnbull set a brisk pace in the lead while Tenaciously bided her time behind the leader. Once pulled out by Hewitt the diminutive filly knuckled down to her task to draw clear of Auntie Lou by just under four metres while rank outsider Honolulu Princess rattled home along the rails for third.

Tenaciously is out of the former star mare Miss Graceland who had 16 wins from 37 starts including the 2017 Victoria Oaks and a fastest time of 1.54. Tenaciously is her only progeny to make the race track but she also has a two year old colt by Pebble Beach.

The other heat was won by hot favourite Smirkin Serene (Lord Zin Zan) who like Jungle Dragon was resuming after her success in the New South Wales Breeder Blue Final for three year old fillies.

Confidently driven by stable driver Lleyton Green Smirkin Serene was allowed to be balanced before driving on to the lead. The filly then gave a faultless display of front running. Although she was inclined to drift out in the home straight Smirkin Serene proved far too strong to hold off Rikibreal while outsider True Logic showed surprising fight to finish third.

SMIRKIN SERENE SEP 24 REPLAY

Trained by Dean and Kerry McDowell Smokin Serene is the first of the progeny of Serene Grin and she has also a bay weanling colt by Hunstsville.

The filly has now won five of her six appearances and she now looks a key contender for the $150,000 Final at Menangle on 25 October.

But Tenaciously was also impressive and she is a determined filly who will acquit herself in semi Final and ultimately The Final itself.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink