REGAL AMBITION – “A FILLY GOING PLACES”
Wow — now that’s how you announce yourself.
As they say in racing, talk is cheap. It’s what you do on raceday that counts, and Regal Ambition certainly delivered for the VIC Husslers at Sandown on Wednesday.
After just one career start, there had been plenty of anticipation around Regal Ambition’s return — and she lived right up to the hype, overcoming a messy start before cruising to victory over 1200m.
Pre-race, the talk was about just how strong this Metro Maiden looked on paper. Post-race, there was only one talking point — just how impressive the Husslers filly had been on a Soft 7.
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
Not many horses can overcome adversity and still win with something in hand, but that’s exactly what Regal Ambition did.
The stewards’ footage tells the story.
When the gates flew back, Regal Ambition was caught leaning against the stalls. She missed the kick badly before two runners to her inside shifted sideways and cannoned into her, forcing her straight to the rear.
From there, jockey Mickey Dee didn’t panic.
“Not too sure what happened there at the start; none of us jockeys heard a call, and we weren’t ready. Then we got a big squeeze.
“So happy it all worked out, and there’s a big bunch of owners here, so it’s great to put a big smile on their faces.
“There’s plenty more in store for her; that was just a Maiden win, but she will be contesting Listed Stakes class races over a bit further.
“Yeah, I really like her; she is definitely going places,” Dee said.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME
A big shout-out to the VIC Husslers, who have been extremely patient with their beautifully bred filly.
By champion UK sire Palace Pier and from the family of outstanding Australian sprinter Alinghi, Regal Ambition has always had the pedigree — and now she’s starting to show it on the track.
“Congratulations guys, that was a terrific way to break her Maiden, a nice City Maiden. The way she did it was very impressive.
“We got squeezed at the start, but I loved the way Mickey Dee got off the rail at the right time, pocketed the other favourite, and was hands and heels to the line and won like a very classy horse.
“She is clearly looking for a bit further as well,” Ben Hayes said.
EXCITING PROSPECT
It’s always dangerous to get carried away after one win — but when they win like that, you’re allowed to dream.
Betting agencies have already shortened Regal Ambition to $12 for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas, and the Hayes stable believes there is plenty more improvement to come.
“She wasn’t screwed down today, there is plenty more improvement to come and she has a nomination in for the Thousand Guineas, so that is the ultimate goal.
“She deserves a nice opportunity at a good Stakes race now.
“I hope she’s a good miler. She’s nominated for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas over the mile, so we will now head towards the Listed Jim Moloney,” Hayes told Racing.com.
WHAT’S NEXT?
You have to dream big in this game.
The next target is the Listed Jim Moloney Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday, September 27, where Regal Ambition will get the opportunity to test herself at Stakes level.
From there, the ultimate goal is clear — the Group 1 Thousand Guineas over the mile at Caulfield on Saturday, October 17.
There’s a long way to go, but after what she showed at Sandown, the VIC Husslers have every reason to be excited about the ride ahead.
Bring it on. Go Husslers!