An awkward gate didn't help Nash Rawillier early in race 2 at Gosford on Sunday and Dynamic filly JUST A SPLASH was trapped 3 deep behind the speed on settling. Brilliant pilot Nash Rawillier summed things up quickly and gave our filly a squirt and she whipped around the filed to take up the running heading into the first turn. Nash attempted to get the filly to settle which she did perfectly and stacked the field for the next furlong, before kicking off the bend putting a 2 length gap on the field. She looked home at the 150m but a determined run down the centre, which latter proved to be the best part of the track, saw the 2 fillies slug it out to the post. In the shadows, the winner got the upper hand to score by a 1/2 length.
Nash returned to scale with praise for the filly stating she was tough but may have been a couple of gallops short for her first up assignment. "She dug deep and fought all the way. She didn't give up it was a good effort" he said. "We just found one a little better on the day". No doubt the early work and leading, left her a sitting duck for a swooper first up".
It was great to see so many owners on hand. Shawn & Chas Beyon and daughter Alex, the Spratt Family Anthony, Elizabeth & their Mum, Joyce Smith, Tony & Libby Hanna (Mackay Qld), and Alan (GOM) & Sandy Bradley joined trainer Gerald Ryan and Dean & Fiona Watt on course.
This race effort was a major form improvement for the filly. She had started 3 occasions previously without threatening. A change of stable to Gerald Ryan after her first 2 runs and then a start to see what he had inherited, saw the filly spelled. She resumed on Sunday a different horse. Those present could not believe she was the same animal ! Thank goodness for brands !
Much bigger and stronger and in excellent physical condition, she had a glow about her in the coat and was the pick of the yard. If anything she was a little "too pretty" and gave the appearance she would benefit from the run.
Post race review showed the filly is on target. Gerald advised the owners he was delighted with the way she progressed in his stables and she has her hoof on the till. She will improve another couple of lengths in fitness and will be hard to beat again next start.
We won't be quick to back her up and a race in 3-4 weeks will be ideal. The filly gives the team the indications that 1300 - 1400m in a couple of starts time will be perfect.
We acknowledge the form of the raced brigade was sub standard but first starters ran first and third. The form may be a touch stronger than what we thought leading into the race. The winner looked impressive and the Third horse was a 4yo mare having her first start.
As the saying goes "one for the little black book"!