Lamia Bale Leads All The Way In Sir John Dillon Memorial
Lamia Bale (2) notched up her third victory within the space of a week when taking out tonight's Group Three Sir John Dillon Memorial at Sandown Park.
Stepping brilliantly from box two in the 595 metre feature, the Steve Collins trained bitch strode straight to the front and was never in doubt, stretching out beautifully to record a three and a half length triumph in a scintillating 34.09.
Starting at $4.50, Lamia Bale defeated the Darren McDonald trained Awesome Project (1) which was sent out as the punter's elect at $3.00. The son of Collision and Honour Phase railed through into second spot early and held his position well, although he was no match for the winner which was in a class of her own out in front.
The fastest qualifier from the heats, Ralphy Cinel (7), ran on well to grab third after railing underneath Joey Valdez (3) to sneak into the placings.
Lamia Bale has now won 10 races from 33 racetrack appearances. After winning her heat of the Sir John Dillon last Thursday, the daughter of High Earner and Maple Bale returned to the races last Sunday to score in a heat of the Group Two Laurels Classic in a hot 29.37.
She will venture back to Sandown Park on the weekend for her semi-final of the bitches only series where she will need to finish in the top two to secure a berth in the decider on December 21.
2014 Group Three Sire John Dillon Memorial Full Results
1. Lamia Bale (Box 2) – Steve Collins
2. Awesome Project (Box 1) – Darren McDonald
3. Ralphy Cinel (Box 7) – Joe Borg
4. Joey Valdez (Box 3) Ben Divirgilio
5. Blinker's On (Box 4) – Brooke Ennis
6. Skyfire (Box 8) – Shane Drummond
7. Nockabout Aussie (Box 6) – Peter Akathiotis
8. Flying Twist (Box 5) – Andrea Dailly
Scratchings – Starc (1st Res), Big Kat (2nd Res)
Time: 34.09
Margins: 3 1/2 x 1 1/2
Great win
Great win