Sebrikka lands the opening prize on Sir Monash Stakes day
PUNTERS got off to a winning start at Caulfield on Saturday when Sebrikka took out the TROA Supports Jockeys Trust 2YO Handicap.
The Hayes/Dabernig-trained filly came into the 1200m race off a last start win at Ballarat where it cruised to victory and punters jumped all over the early price. Bookmakers offered up $3.60 earlier in the week, but it got slammed into $3 late at Sportsbet.com.au.
The daughter of Sebring didn’t jump well and appeared to be under pressure a long way from home with Regan Bayliss in the saddle, but it stuck with them before producing a devastating sprint in the closing stages to down Wazzenme in the last 100m.
Getting the feisty two-year-old to the barriers could be the toughest challenge for co-trainer David Hayes who admits it’s not an easy horse prepare.
“She’s pre-race a bit of a worry, but during the race there’s not too much to worry about,” Hayes said. “If we can get on top of that, we’ve got a good filly. She just gets a bit stubborn.”
The $80,000 race carried a Super Vobis bonus of $30,000 and Hayes will likely keep it fresh at home and prepare it for the upcoming Melbourne spring.
“To get all the Vobis bonuses and everything, she’s paid for herself,” Hayes said.
“I think she can go to another level to 7 furlongs (1400m) to a mile. I do think she’ll be able to compete in the spring.”
Regan Bayliss was on the filly for the first time today and admitted it did have a fair bit of attitude. Punters had reason to worry heading around to the barriers, but once on the track it was clean running.
“You usually see all the good fillies and mares have a bit of attitude,” Bayliss said.
“They (connections) haven’t rushed her, put her through the grades. She was devastatingly good today.”
Second favourite Wazzenme finished in second place and looked the winner halfway down the straight. The colt by Wanted took an inside run around the home turn and battled on well late with Gloriette in third.