The Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained Roll On High (+1500) has caused a minor upset in the Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm, storming down the middle of the track to score an impressive victory.
The daughter of Sheamus Award had been mixing her form prior to Saturday, with her most recent effort in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) leaving a lot to be desired, failing to fire a shot in her 4.2 -length defeat on the Heavy surface on the Sunshine Coast.
She bounced back to form in excellent fashion on Saturday, courtesy of a perfectly timed steer by Vlad Duric after taking his medicine in the early portion of the race.
He was more than happy to drag back with a genuine tempo throughout the 1400m journey, as Celui (+3000) bounded to the lead early doors, while the eventual runner-up Rhythm Of Love (+2500) loomed to sit on his outside with 400m left to travel.
Stefi Magnetica (+280) looked to have the run of the race back towards the inside of the leading pair turning for home, while the well-supported Schwarz (+450) was caught up in a bumping duel when looking to close off under Jamie Kah.
Rhythm Of Love gave a strong kick for Jason Collet, but he was a sitting duck for Roll On High who seemingly relished the conditions at Eagle Farm to secure her first win of the campaign.
2024 Fred Best Classic replay – Roll On High
Co-trainer Katherine Coleman was on course to represent the stable and was glowing about the win as they prepare sending Roll On High on a Stradbroke Handicap tilt in a fortnight.
“She’s a filly we’ve always had a big opinion of and this preparation things just haven’t gone to plan at all,” said Coleman.
“She was super first-up and had absolutely no luck in her runs at all.
“We’ve maintained the faith in her and she has repaid that today. It is fantastic.
“She’s a little demon. She bit the poor strapper when we were saddling up and she’s very sassy, but when they’re a tough filly like that and they show it, you don’t mind.
“If she pulls up well I’d say we’ll definitely look to head that way.”
Vlad Duric gave a good assessment of his mount heading towards Group 1 glory as well.
“Today, was just gorgeous behind the gates,” said Duric.
“Had the perfect trip for her. Probably produced her a bit early. I had last start in the back of my mind. I would probably ride her a bit more patient.
“She’s got an electric turn-of-foot. I hope they go for the Stradbroke. 49-kilos she’d get in well. She’ll run well.”
Roll On High is now a +1400 chance with online bookmakers for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on June 15.
Horse racing news