UNDERRATED pacing mare Love My Fella produced arguably her best performance this season to score a last-stride win in a C3-C4 race over 1609 metres at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart on Sunday night.
The Rohan Hillier-trained six-year-old came from last on the home turn to grab victory in the shadows of the post, courtesy of a masterful piece of reinsmanship by her trainer-driver.
It was a keenly contested affair early with Domani Gem able to cross from gate three to lead with the odds-on favourite Nobeer Nocheer taken back to settled near the rear of the field and just in advance of Love My Fella.
Domani Gem started to feel the pinch when put under pressure in the home straight with Nobeer Nocheer looming as the likely winner but he was unable to match the powerful finish of Love My Fella that was guided through a needle-eye opening 100 metres from home.
She defeated Nobeer Nocheer by a short head with Twograndahand (Rohan Hadley) getting to edge Domani Gem out of third place.
“It was a good win by my mare but they went quick and that helped her chances,” Hillier said.
“Before the race I thought she’d win if the pace was on and that’s how it panned out but we did get the breaks go our way when it counted,” he said.
Love My Fella is likely to be aimed at the Matron Stakes in Hobart in a fortnight.
“The Matron Stakes look a nice race for this mare. It’s a discretionary handicap and standing starts suit her and it’s worth $10,000 so that’s more than likely where she’ll head next,” Hillier said.
Meanwhile Hillier is unsure whether his stable star Shez Ryleymak will be off to Melbourne for the Queen of the Pacific at Tabcorp Park on Saturday night.
“Shez Ryleymak is nominated for the Queen of the Pacific but from what I’ve heard she might not get a start and that would be bitterly disappointing,” he said.
“She’s on the borderline (of entry) but if she does get a start and she gets an unhindered run she will be very competitive,” he said.