UNDERTATED bitch Li Li sent punters reeling for six when sher powered jher way to an impressive win in the Laurels final over 461 metres at Tattersall’s Park last night (Thursday).
The Gary Johnson-trained bitch was sent out an outsider from box eight but understandably so given she finished fourth behind race favourite Emerald Lee in their heat and was beaten almost nine lengths.
Emerald Lee was backed in to start the $1.60 favourite but when she began only fairly and Carolina (2) flew the lids to lead by two early, those who took the shorts were feeling a tad sick when their favourite was worse than midfield and copping checks left, right and centre.
Carolina led to the top turn but Li Li had the leader in her sights and when they straightened for the uphill run to the line Johnson’s bitch knuckled down to her task and went on to score by over two lengths from Carolina with Gracie running on well to grab third ahead of her kennel mate and litter sister Molly’s Legacy.
While Emerald Lee deserved to be favourite, there was some smart money on Li Li to cause an upset.
Li Li (Head Bound-It’s A She) is very well related as she is a litter sister to Jethro, Bell Haven and Beaudine that all have performed brilliantly in Tasmania this season.
Jethro was a fast-finishing third to champion Miata in the National Distance Championship in Hobart last month and Bell haven was a close-up fourth, while Beaudine has been sold to Western Australian interests after winning his way to top grade in Tasmania.
Carolina has performed well on the Hobart circuit and she tried valiantly to lead all the way and will be competitive in graded races for some time.
Emerald Lee finished at the rear of the field but she is a class act will win more than she loses in the coming months.