WHEN favourite Colby was contacted at the green light during Wednesday night’s opening race at Bathurst Paceway it presented an opportunity for Hot Flush to emerge as the winner.
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The KerryAnn Turner-trained filly made the most of the situation to fly away a 1.7m winner in the Burnt Blades Horse Help Three Year Old Pace (1730 metres).
Hot Flush ($3.50) was touted as the best chance to take down Colby ($1.60), who was making his first Australian start following a series of promising trials.
However, spectators were left stunned when Layby Lenny reared up and brushed the favourite on his outside.
The pair were sent back over 50m behind the field and Colby’s winning hopes were over almost before they began.
Meanwhile, Hot Flush had found her way to the death seat after starting on the second row and was able to hold her spot at the front of the field through to the finish.
Morris said Hot Flush’s previous start suggested she would make a statement, especially without the presence of the favourite.
“Her first up run was really unlucky against some really good horses at Menangle,” he said.
“I wasn’t too sure how she’d go [against Colby] but when he galloped it was hers to lose.
“She only got beaten by 10 metres in that last start. She didn’t have the earplugs pulled and wasn’t able to get out of the pocket so she held herself in good stead for this race.
“We paid good money for her. She’s had a few hiccups but she’s a really nice filly.”
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While punters’ eyes were watching the horror show occurring at the rear of the field, Kinetic Kate had got away well from gate two to lead the race.
Im Ok got across to the death seat but his time there was short lived as Hot Flush worked ahead from the rear of the field.
Lotta Laughs broke at the tail the field which left just seven runners in the winning mix on the final lap.
Hot Flush started to charge ahead on the run for home and had to hold off challenges from Dennis Picker’s contenders Miss Fernandez ($33.80) and Blues Terror ($36.90).
Victory came as little surprise for Hot Flush since she had enjoyed a comfortable opening half of 60.2 seconds.
The winning mile rate was 1:57.6.
Colby made an excellent account of himself despite his unfortunate start.
The favourite bolted home with a head full of steam to finish 17.7m off the pace in seventh.
Colby’s driver Chris Geary had better luck later in the meeting when he drove another of Tim Butt’s contenders, Field Officer, to a narrow victory.
Wednesday’s meeting saw six different trainers take the spoils.
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
