The Sultana sisters, Kristy and Michelle, produced the ultimate sister act at LADBROKES GARDENS on Friday night, finishing one-two in the final of the Group 2 Sires On Ice Black Top.
Just two runs ago, Flying Ricciardo was contesting fifth grade races, now he’s a Group winner, with an impeccable record of 10 wins and two seconds from 12 starts, and a future with no boundaries.
“I’m just glad it’s over,” a relieved Kristy said after the win. “They jumped together, and he didn’t really jump the best. I would have liked to have seen him a bit further in front.”
While he didn’t show the blistering speed of a week earlier in the heats, Flying Ricciardo was still able to lead into the first turn, despite being pressured by Left Unsaid.
But once he was able to shake off the challenger, Flying Ricciardo was able to dictate the race, and went on win by two and half lengths in 29.28s, not as quick as his stunning 29.17s heat win seven days earlier.
“It’s unexplainable. I’m just so happy that I have got this dog to have some fun with,” Kristy said when asked how her Group win felt. “And to win a group race as an owner and a trainer unbelievable, and my sister coming second as well.”
In the consolation of the Black Top, the MACCA - named in honour of legendary local racecaller John McDermott - it was the Geoff Grimwood-trained Aston Zodiac leading throughout.
Geoff’s wife Leanne admitted that they thought Aston Zodiac may have been one run short in last week’s heats of the Black Top, but she was ready to go on Friday night in the MACCA.
For the Grimwoods it was a case of turning the tables from a year ago.
Last year in the MACCA, the Grimwoods had Kid Candle - who would go on to win this year’s Gosford Gold Cup - and they finished second to Knights Page. A year on and Aston Zodiac was able to hold off Knights Page to take out this year’s feature.
