RED NOVA made up for unacceptable behaviour in Hobart two weeks ago by scoring a narrow but impressive win on debut at Tapeta Park in The Doc’s Plate 3YO over 1000 metres in Devonport today.
The Bill Ryan-trained three-year-old was expected to make his debut at the last meeting at Tattersall’s Park but he behaved badly at the barriers and had to be withdrawn.
But a trip to the trials and more barrier education resulted in the son of Savoire Vivre-Novadraan being on his best behaviour today and it resulted in a great result for his connections.
Red Nova showed good early speed and shared the lead with the heavily backed favourite Argentogris from the Charlie Goggin and Luella Meaburn stable.
The pair singled out in the home straight and while Argentogris showed great courage all the way up the home straight Ryan’s horse had the edge when they hit the line.
Ryan said Red Nova was a late maturer but the gelding also had a few issues easily in his career.
“The horse was close to racing last season but he had a balance problem and that led to him knocking himself,” Ryan said.
“He has always shown good ability but things just didn’t pan out last time and hopefully he can go on with kit from here.”
“We’ve missed the boat as far as the good three-year-old races are concerned but we are happy to just plod along and see what he can do in ordinary class races this time in,” he said.
Red Nova was bred by the trainer and his wife Mary Ryan and they also raced the gelding’s dam Novadraan.
“We had some success with Novadraan and she proved to be a handy broodmare but unfortunately we lost her last year.”
“We have a two-year-old from her that is about to go into work and he also looks like he might make the grade,” he said.