Filly Win Has Owner Dancing

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday February 18, 2003

By BOB PENDLEBURY

A CONVERSATION over drinks proved to be a good method of buying a race horse after favourite Jabiru Dancer won heat two of the Linden Huntley Little Memorial fillies division at Bulli yesterday.

Owner Henno Illistom and trainer driver Darren Hancock were standing at a bar when the brown filly was presented in the sales ring at the Pacing Gold Sales at Sydney last year.

They both liked the youngster and went to $5500 to buy the daughter of Stature.

``She has always shown us something after winning her trials at Bulli," Hancock said.

``We took her to open her account at Bulli last Monday and she was beaten a head by Gypsy Doll in fast time."

Jabiru Dancer derived benefit from that run and augurs well for her future, which will include contesting the Sires' Stakes races.

Meanwhile, impressive newcomer Springmaker ($2.70) indicated he had a big future after winning heat two of the Memorial for colts and geldings, in the smart time 2hr02min6sec.

After showing potential at his first two Fairfield trials driver Leonie O'Grady said the bay colt was the subject of interest, with an offer of $60,000 being knocked back by owner Harry Langdon.

O'Grady believes the colt is worth more.

``If he was in New Zealand they would be paying $100,000 for him," O'Grady said.

``In one of the Fairfield trials he beat Gypsy Doll and we knew we had a chance of recovering the $10,000 purchase price."

Springmaker is eligible for the good races, such as the Australian Pacing Gold and the Sires' Stakes.

The joy of winning on Springmaker was somewhat soured for O'Grady as she was suspended for three weeks under rule 1631A for causing interference on the bottom turn of the final lap.

On a brighter note, she will be able to drive in next Monday's final as the suspension does not commence until after the feature race.

© 2003 Illawarra Mercury

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