Lightest Touch Wins The Group Three Laurie Healion Memorial Maiden Final
The feature event at The Gardens yesterday afternoon was over in a matter of seconds after Lightest Touch ($4) produced a faultless display from box eight, leading all the way in a fast time of 29.75. Successful trainer Robert Glover and owner Jean Lewis collected a cool $25,000 for their efforts.
The son of Where's Pedro and Vee Girl Vane, stepped beautifully from the outside alley and recorded handy splits of 5.04, 17.54 and a flying run home time of 12.21. Lightest Touch began his racing campaign in a heat of the series two weeks ago, recording a solid 29.98 performance from box six and found early trouble in his semi-final last week and finished third to qualify for the final.
Consistent chaser Zipping Jacob was gallant in defeat and finished second for owner-trainer Scott Austen and $23 outsider Bedlam Bridge produced a brilliant come from behind run to finish third for trainer Christopher Carl.
Favourite runner Surfection missed the start and found early trouble, finishing in fourth position.
Some handy youngsters have emerged out of this maiden series and are definitely worth keeping a close eye on in the near future.
Group Three Laurie Healion Memorial Final Results:
1. Lightest Touch (8) – Robert Glover ($25,000)
2. Zipping Jacob (1) – Scott Austen ($4,000)
3. Bedlam Bridge (2) – Christopher Carl ($2,000)
4. Surfection (3) – Clifford Clark
5. Invisible (7) – Larry Procopio
6. Lika Jay Jay (5) – Martin Bowe
7. Don't Point (6) – Peter Neilson
8. Devine Lad (4) – Patrick Parrelli
Margins: 9 ½ x ¼
Time: 29.75 (8)
Splits: 5.04 (8), 17.54 (8), 12.21 (8)