TALENTED trainer Elesha Spillane has been building a strong team at her Spreyton stables so it came as no surprise that she produced a double on her home track last Sunday.
Spillane prepared promising stayer Poacher’s Gold to win the open handicap over 1800 metres and she saddled up stable newcomer Play of the Day to win the last race on the seven-event card.
Poacher’s Gold looked to be under pressure turning for home but under strong riding from Kelvin “The Iceman” Sanderson she dug deep at the business end of proceedings and went on to score by a half-head from race leader Morsonique with Baby Doe a game third a length away.
“I have to admit I was a bit worried nearing the home turn when she was still a fair way off the leaders and on the worse part of the track,” Spillane said.
“But I knew when she got a clear run and got onto the better going in the straight she would finish it off,” she said.
Poacher’s Gold was heavily backed to start the $1.80 favourite but no doubt most of her backers were starting to tear up their tickets on the home turn.
Spillane is unsure of the mare’s future beyond her next start that will be in Launceston next Thursday in a 0-75 Handicap over 2100 metres.
“In the long term I’ll consider a minor cups preparation and possibly a Devonport Cup, provided she races as well on firmer tracks,” she said.
Play of The Day was formerly trained by Kellie Laurence and Spillane believes she has the potential to get through to open company.
“I got Play Of The Day when Kellie (Laurence) broke her leg and had to shut down her stable for a short period of time.”
“The owner of lay Of The Day rang me and asked if I’d take Play Of The Day and IO also got four two-year-olds including Zac’s Monty, so it was quite a lucky break for me and not so for Kellie,” she said.
Play Of The Day came from well back to score a last-stride win over Extreme Cost with Rock The Party a length astern.
“I plan to keep Play Of The Day fresh and keep her going through the winter,” Spillane said.