Libertybelle Midfrew takes big strides
Brilliant filly Libertybelle Midfrew shaped for an outstanding future when she careered away to win last night's Group 1 $150,000 Gannon's WA Oaks (2536m) at Gloucester Park.
Reinsman Shannon Suvaljko did not extend the Mike Reed-trained bay, who scored by 22 metrres and remained unbeaten in five starts since arriving from New Zealand.
It was one of the easiest Group 1 wins seen in Perth pacing.
Reed said the filly's next major targets would be the $125,000 McInerney Ford Classic (2536m) at Gloucester Park in November and the following month's $175,000 Golden Nugget Championship (2536m).
"She's now going to the paddock," Reed said. "Melbourne and New Zealand races have been considered.
"But her owners Albert and Julie Walmsley want to concentrate on next season's local feature events."
Libertybelle Midfrew ($1.10) never looked in danger after Suvaljko took her to the front in early stages of last nght's classic. The Parade ($23) finished second and Victorian visitor Dontdoubtme ($12.40) ran on wide to finish third.
"She's amazing," Suvaljko said. "My only worry came when she went so fast in to the home turn. I was concerned she'd do something wrong."
Reed bought Libertybelle Midfrew on behalf of the Walmsleys in New Zealand last February.
"She'd fired up in some races, but has settled here," Reed said.
Top reinsman Gary Hall Jr gave a glowing report on Im Themightyquinn after his impressive all-the-way win in last night's Gannon's Pacing Colours Pace (2130m).
The $4.3 million stake-earner, who had not raced since a leg injury seven months ago, showed abundant early speed in heavy rain and drew clear after 200m.
"He's lost none of his will-to-win," Hall Jr said. "I didn't plan to lead. But he was very keen off the gate and I decided we'd go to the front.
"Quinnie didn't deserve to be back in the field, with mud flying."
Hall's father trainer Gary Hall Sr is planning a Queensland winter campaign with Im Themightyquinn and Alta Christiano, who also won stylishly last night.
"We're aiming to race Quinnie at Brisbane's carnival and Alta Christiano will be his travelling companion," Hall Jr said.
Im Themightyquinn ($1.60 favourite) rated 1:56.4 to score last night by 2.5m from Rocket Reign ($39) and Hokonui Ben ($2.60), who faced the breeze, finished a further 6.5m back in third place.
Alta Christiano ($1.10 favourite), never headed in the The Pure Steel Qualifying Heat (1) over 2130m, rated 1:55.3 for Hall Jr and won by 15.5m from Robbery ($66.20).
Lisharry ($16.50) finished 1m away in third place.
Alta Christiano has won at four of five starts since an injury-enforced spell.
"There's a lot of improvement in Alta Christiano," Hall Jr said. "He's still big in condition. We've been careful to guard against recurrence of his leg trouble. He's getting better with each race."
