In Brief
- Troublesome filly loves to run.
- Filly's win eases COVID-19 pain for co-trainer.
- Jockey gives filly big rap.
Well named two-year-old Apollo Rocket looks set for a bright future given the ease with which she scored her maiden win on debut in a 2YO maiden over 1150 metres in Devonport on Sunday.
The Ken and Tanya Hanson-trained filly showed brilliant early speed to cross from the outside gate and lead the field of 12 but when rider Troy Baker called on the filly to extend, she left her rivals in her wake.
Apollo Rocket (Needs Further-Reach the Moon) went on to score by over three lengths from War Correspondent, that tracked the leader throughout the race, with Mystical Beauty battling on gamely for third a length astern.
It was a $20,000 Tasbred bonus race that made it a timely win for one of the filly’s co-trainers Tanya Hanson.
“I had a job with The Flight Centre, but I was laid off when the coronavirus pandemic struck so the normal prizemoney and the bonus money will come in very handy,” Hanson said.
The winner’s share of the stake money was $10,625 but because Apollo Rocket was paid up for the Tasbred bonus scheme an additional $16,000 was added to the prizemoney and that the Hanson family, who owns the filly, also bred her they receive a further $4000.
All up the win netted the filly’s owners, comprising the co-trainers, Helen Hanson and Linda Chugg a cool $30,625.
“The extra money will definitely come in handy but no doubt we will just reinvest it in horses,” Hanson said.
Apollo Rocket ($9.00) is by Needs Further from the Hanson family’s former smart race mare Reach the Moon that won four but placed 20 times for almost $90,000 in stakes.
“We had a few problems with the filly early on but slowly but surely she came to terms with what it was all about.
“The first time we took her to the trials she threw herself down on the ground and wouldn’t get up and she was a real handful at home.
“She still loves to run and get it over a done with as soon as possible, but she also has a lot of stamina which is what she showed today.”
Baker predicted a bright future for the filly.
“This filly had no trouble crossing from the outside gate to lead and it takes a very good horse to do that and win,” Baker said.
“But she also had a lot left in the tank when we straightened for the run home.” Baker said.
Watch Apollo Rocket lead throughout to score an impressive 2YO maiden win.