Overstep turns tables on Divine Quality at Flemington
THE upset results continued in the early stages at Flemington as Overstep won the Light Fingers Hall Of Fame Trophy Handicap at double figure odds.
The Chris Waller-trained filly had started at single figure odds at its last five starts, but after some moderate performances it started the race at $10.90 with Sportsbet.co.au.
Sitting just in behind race favourite Divine Quality throughout the run down the Flemington straight, jockey Craig Newitt found clear running room late in the race to power away from Motown Lil and Divine Quality, which battled on bravely for third.
Newitt was able to get a drag into the race whilst Divine Quality was exposed throughout, which turned out to be the defining moment.
“We wanted a bit of cover today,” Newitt said. “She ended up finding the right back and travelled good.”
Overstep finished in behind Divine Quality last time out, but Newitt was able to get a much better run in transit and it showed the superior turn-of-foot.
“It was a similar race to the other day (May 6). We dropped 2.5 kilos and she showed that good acceleration she showed two starts ago,” Newitt said.
The daughter of Exceed And Excel had won only one of its 10 starts prior to Saturday’s win, but it had been placed on five occasions and that consistency was rewarded.
“She’s been consistent. Last start we thought she would have been hard to beat,” stable representative Jo Taylor said. “It looked like she could have got a little unlucky at one stage, but Craig did really well to find the gaps and produced her at the right time.”
Taylor wasn’t sure what race Overstep would next target, but there are many options available for the talented filly.
“Chris will look at the programme and see if there’s anything in Sydney, or possibly the Gold Coast,” Taylor said.
“Chris will place her where he thinks she’ll be most competitive.”
The wet tracks in winter won’t be an issue as it has already won and placed multiple times on rain-affected ground.
“She’ll certainly be effective on them (wet tracks). She goes around the bend really well so that opens up a lot of opportunities.”
Motown Lil was well-backed into $5 late at CrownBet.com.au and it did well to finish second. The Robert Smerdon-trained runner looked the likely winner at one stage before Overstep got the last shot at them.
Divine Quality was the easing $2.40 favourite after touching $2 earlier in the betting. It was left without a drag into the race and punters should forgive the effort.