Great taupo showing from talented filly

8 October 2015

The ambition surrounding the naming of an O’Reilly filly was met at Taupo this afternoon. Great Expectations showed gate speed from a wide alley to lead and when Craig Grylls asked her for an effort into the straight she bolted clear for a dominant victory.

“She showed plenty of speed last time out (when runner-up) and that took a bit of the sting out of her,” he said. “She settled nicely today and she just kicked away from them.”

Trainer Graham Richardson bought Great Expectations for $150,000 out of WS’s Premier Sale consignment to Karaka last year. “She was very impressive and I’m rapt for the owners who have been very loyal and patient,” he said.

Placed during a light juvenile campaign last season, Great Expectations is out of the Centaine mare Hideaway who is a sister to the WS-bred South African Group One winner Taupo Retreat. Hideaway has also produced the multiple winner and stakes performer Sacred Pins (Pins).

Saltcoats stakes his claim for Premier’s Cup glory

Saltcoats (Ardrossan) stormed to a 2.33-length win in the rescheduled $160,000 Premier’s Cup Prelude, setting up a possible tilt at the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup later this month.

13 August 2025

The Corner with Garry Chittick

Many years ago, obviously before my brain had developed as far as it was allowed to go, I was an active member of Young Nationals. It was a social activity for a start, until I …