FICKLE Folly returned from a spell in a relaxed state of mind to win Sunday’s Hygain Microspeed Country Music Cup Next January Handicap (1000m) and preview a likely trip to Randwick next start.
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The Sue Grills-trained mare, a four-year-old daughter of Nicconi with three wins and four placings to her credit in 11 previous starts, held off Brett Cavanough’s Escebee.
The talented mare won by a long neck in a quick 57.85secs on the Heavy 8 surface and out of the new 1000m chute.
Robert Thompson rode Fickle Folly, who started a $11.50 favourite, and was delighted with her effort.
“She went good,” Thompson told Grills and owner Paul Frampton.
“Relaxed nicely, just got a little tired at the end. That’ll improve her greatly.”
Grills was also delighted.
“That’s what we wanted her to do,” she replied after being asked if she was to be ridden quietly.
“That was good. Can’t win in town when you lead. Sophie (track work rider) Young couldn’t believe the jockeys in Sydney couldn’t get her to settle because she is a sensible horse who doesn’t pull. So we wanted her to relax and she did that beautifully today.”
“We’ll take her to Randwick now for a 1000m benchmark 85. She was a bit fat today and needed that run. She’ll be right for Randwick now.”
Thompson made it a running double when he backed up to win the Hygain Release Class 1 Handicap (1400m) aboard Mark Mason’s Epic Event.
The Graham’s meanwhile bookended the meeting, father Peter winning the first on Royal Villa and daughter Cejay annexing the last on Ledecky.
Ledecky cruised home to win the Hygain Powatorque Class 3 Handicap and snare a third career win for her Newcastle trainer Paul Perry.
A daughter of Onemorenomore Ledecky was coming off an unlucky last start fourth at Port Macquarie.
“She nearly got put through the outside fence,” recounted stable representative Michael Rowlands.
“We thought we’d back her up today and she had a much better run this time. The little girl (Cejay Graham) took a sit and rode her exactly the way the boss wanted.”