
Trainers Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor pulled the right rein when opting to run three-year-old filly Flirt at the Christmas twilight meeting at Sportsbet Oakbank on Friday, December 19.
The filly was also an acceptor at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge on the following day, but the trainers decided to run her in the Stateliner Coaches Maiden (1050m) at the course of natural history.
Flirt ($3.50 fav) began well from, gate six and jockey Jason Holder allowed her to stride to the lead coming down the hill.
At the 200-metre mark, Tiddy Widdy ($5.50) moved up to challenge, but the ABR filly responded and drew clear to win by three-quarters of a length. Roomerhasit ($101) was two lengths away third.
Flirt had her first run for trainers Basin & Taylor at Gawler in July on a soft track but never really challenged, eventually finishing seventh.
She was given a break and trialled well twice, one at Oakbank, to ready for her race return.
Trainer Aaron Bain said Flirt had grown and matured since her last run as a two-year-old.
“It was a lovely win first up from a nice break,” Bain said.
“A lot of new owners on board with us through the Club Sports Group, their first win in the colours as well.
“Flirt did us proud today.
“We might see her again at the metro meeting at Gawler on Saturday, January 3. There is a Class One over 1100 metres.
“The way she began today and put herself right up on speed she would be well suited at Gawler.
“She was great today and hopefully we can continue on with the prep and find even more improvement with added fitness.”
Winning jockey Jason Holder was not surprised by Flirt’s victory.
“She had been trialling well and brought that to the races today,” Holder said.
“I thought that was all she had to do.
“She was well prepared by Aaron and Ned.
“I was positive, went forward and dictated the race.
“What I liked about her was that she heard a challenge and when I asked her, she responded.
“I think she has a lot of upside. As a two-year-old I believe she was just immature.
“The guys gave her a bit of time, and it has paid off.”