A very determined effort by 4yo mare Daintree Diva today saw her win the XXX DRY Fillies and Mares Class 1 Handicap over 1200 metres at Doomben.
Jumping from the outside barrier, apprentice Jaden Lloyd had her working from the outset to eventually cross to the fence, and from there he was able to set a very sensible pace to retain the lead. It was quick enough to maintain the lead and her competitors at a distance, but not too fast to have her out of her comfort zone.
As they turned into the straight, she railed well, but was quickly met if not headed by the eventual second placegetter, but she gritted her teeth and lengthened, holding her rival to the line with an eventual 0.2length margin. A good tussle down the straight in the winning time of 1.10.12s
A much improved result after her effort last time when she couldn’t lead, so very relieved trainers that have seen her ability and were shellshocked at that result.
Congratulations for the Esprit Racing team; hopefully this is the start of a good period with some nice horses in the team, after a winter of disappointment, and well done to the ownership group, some having their first city win!