EVEN after a tough three-wide move during the middle of Sunday’s Mudgee Dragons Rugby League 3YO Pace (1,730 metres) Delilaah wasn’t going to be run down.
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Delilaah ($2.10 favourite), trained and driven by Michael Muscat, had to hold off a late inside challenge from Nathan Xuereb on Britney Jane ($5.20) to take the spoils.
Life’s A Jungle ($9.10. Doug Hewitt) won the battle for third.
Delilaah was making her Australian debut for Muscat after making just three starts in New Zealand across last year.
The Bettors Delight x Annie Mach filly was forced to work hard for her victory after being caught three wide across the opening half lap.
“I wasn’t really sure whether I was going to get to the front. Once I got to the outside of the leader she wanted to kick up so I had to be really aggressive to get there. In the end I was lucky that move forward paid off,” Muscat said following the win.
“She was always travelling pretty quick. I wasn’t sure how much bottom she had but she’s proved that she’s got a bit.
“I’ve had her for about five to six weeks. She’s come across from New Zealand. Clients of mine purchased her and we’ve been taking our time with her to try and get her right. She’s come here today and done the job.
“She keeps improving at home. When she first came over she was working a bit plainly but the last couple of weeks have been really good. If she keeps improving then hopefully she can get to Menangle.”
Delilaah came out at an average speed from gate four but on her immediate outside Britney Jane got to the front in little time.
Muscat’s runner was hard pressed to find any space in the second line and was forced to work forward, eventually finding her place at the front of the field.
Britney Jane sat behind the leader while Bernie Hewitt’s Trunkey Digger led the outside line.
Lifes A Jungle made the first move on the final lap, bounding across the outside of the field to reach Delilaah and Britney Jane with 400m left to run.
In the end I was lucky that move forward paid off.
- Michael Muscat
As the field straightened for home it was down to a race of three.
Lifes A Jungle couldn’t keep in touch with Delilaah but Britney Jane was up to the challenge.
Britney Jane gave Delilaah a big scare but came up a neck short of knocking over the favourite.
Lifes A Jungle was a further seven metres back.
The race was run at a constant tempo. All quarters fell in the 28 and 29 mark, making the winning mile rate 1:55.4.
Britney Jane has picked up two placings in as many starts since starting a new preparation.
