THE Pat Carey-trained mare, Swift Sis, broke through for her first victory in Victoria on Saturday 2 March.
After making the move from Western Australia, the now eight-time winner stepped out for her second start in Victoria and stormed past her rivals to record a narrow victory down the Flemington straight (1100m).
Donning the iconic Makybe Farm silks, worn by three-time Melbourne Cup champion Makybe Diva, Swift Sis lifted in the final 100m to nab the Jason Warren-trained mare Miss Toorak Flyer who had run past her at the 600m mark.
Despite going around at the odds of $31, Mornington-based trainer Pat Carey said he had a bit of confidence heading into the race.
“I thought that her price on the day was what we call ‘overs’ in consideration to what we thought her chance would be from a stable point of view,” Carey said.
“We were quite confident she’d run a good race, not necessarily thinking that she’d be able to win, but it’s not a surprise.”
Following the impressive victory, Carey said he’d be aiming the mare towards the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) on Mornington Cup day on Saturday 23 March.
Fellow Mornington-based trainer Jason Warren said he was just as impressed by his consistent mare Miss Toorak Flyer.
“I thought she was just super,” Warren said.
“She was a bit stiff to not get away with a win after she sprinted so well and just probably started to knock up on the line after a big run on the Friday before. She was on the back-up and it just took its toll on her the last little bit.
“Her sectionals were super, and she ran terrific.”
Warren said that Miss Toorak Flyer could also potentially head to a 1000m benchmark 78 race on Mornington Cup Day. Warren said he might also be represented by his talented sprinter Bel Sonic in the Hareeba Stakes.
First published in the Frankston Times – 11 March 2019