Millview Sienna upsets in mares classic
07:47 AM 10 Dec 2018 NZDT
Scott Hamilton Photo
Tough mare Millview Sienna has caused one of the great Group 1 upsets in last night's Mares Classic (2536m) at Gloucester Park, storming home to defeat classy mare Eden Franco.
The barrier draw for the Group 1 event opened up the possibility for there to be an upset, after fancied runners Eden Franco and Maczaffair were dealt tricky draws.
There was plenty of action in the early stages, as Our Angel Of Harlem and Eden Franco both tried to cross to the front, in doing so Chris Voak, driving Gotta Go Gobana, was left with a flat tyre.
Eden Franco and Our Angel Of Harlem eventually were able to lead the field, as Millview Sienna settled three pairs back on the inside.
Reinsman Aldo Cortopassi was able to get away from the inside on the back straight in the final lap and was able to set out after Eden Franco.
Eden Franco appeared to have the race in her keeping 100m from the finish, but Millview Sienna produced a strong finishing burst to record her 11th victory from 45 starts.
It was Cortopassi's first Group 1 success, while it was a second win at the top level for trainer Ray Williams.
Millview Sienna's win kick-started what could be a huge weekend for the Williams family, with Ray's son Grant, together with Grant's wife Alana, saddling up the two favourites in the Kingston Town Classic at Ascot.
Williams Snr said he had received great support from his son, who carved out a successful Harness Racing career prior to switching to the thoroughbreds.
"I don't think I've set the standard, but I hope it helps them," he said.
"I had a phone call from him when she crossed the line."
Williams Snr said he was hoping Millview Sienna would be able to figure in the finish and admitted the mare could be better than he gave her credit for.
"The draw she got, I thought with a bit of luck she could hang in there and run in the first five," he said.
"When she won, I couldn't believe it, I love the way she went to the line.
"I suppose we have to start thinking a bit more positively with her now."
She Could Be Good, a $151 chance with TABtouch, finished third in the Group 1 event.
Meanwhile, Jack Mac is in doubt for next week's Group 1 Golden Nugget, after he pulled up sore from his win last night's Nugget Prelude.
Benhope Rulz loomed up to Jack Mac in the home straight and the favourite looked vulnerable for a fleeting moment.
However, the Barry Howlett-trained pacer fought on to win by 2.5m.
Lewis said it was likely to be just a foot abscess for Jack Mac, who now needs a vet certificate to race in next Friday's four-year-old feature.
"He did dip at the 300 as if he trod on something," he said.
"From then on, he was a little bit sore, so I pulled him up and got him checked out.
"It was a good run, but there is just a query now."
In the other feature event of the night, Runrunjimmydunn and Vultan Tin dead-heated in the Free-For-All.
Vultan Tin's reinsman Chris Voak predicted a prosperous summer campaign ahead for the Phil Costello-trained pacer, after he finished fourth in last year's Inter Dominion Final.
Australia Harness Racing
Gloucester Park
Aldo Cortopassi
Chris Voak