KING Island form is not usually used as a decent guide to a horse’s chances of winning on the Tasmanian mainland but punters were keen to bank on well-bred mare Vila defying that rule in the Veolia Maiden/Class 1 handicap over 1650 metres at Spreyton on Sunday.
Vila was sent out the $3.10 favourite on the strength of her consistent form on KingIsland and she never let the punters down, scoring a comfortable win over Gee Gee Miss Bee and Achaea.
The five-year-old mare by Canny Lad from the Last Tycoon mare Suva was well ridden by Kelvin Sanderson who had her well placed throughout and poised to challenge at the top of the home straight.
When Sanderson called on the lightly framed mare for the big effort 200m out she responded well.
Vila was transferred to Spreyton-based trainer Adam Trinder two months ago and while she has proven to be a head-strong and extremely flighty addition to his stable the trainer was quietly confident she would have the measure of her opposition at her mainland debut.
Listen to what trainer Adam Trinder had to say about Vila’s effort – CLICK HERE.