Racetree Stud sire, Hotel Grand opened the 2yo Metropolitan season in style with his leggy filly Never Despair taking out the 2yo QTIS Fillies Plate (1000m) at Eagle Farm.
Never Despair (pictured – Trackside Photography) began evenly for Jockey Jim Byrne and settled in the second half of the field out wide until straightening when she unleashed a paralysing burst, coming from well back to get up in the last couple of bounds.
Trainer, Toowoomba-based Michael Nolan was quietly confident going into the race after the filly’s impressive debut in the Fitton Hopeful Plate two weeks ago, when she motored home for a closing sixth despite missing the kick by almost five lengths and being wide throughout the race.
“This filly keeps improving everytime she goes out and when all the stars align she could be very good,” said Nolan.
“She was ducking and bobbing and weaving in the run and is still very green but she was just so strong at the end – thank God we didn’t turn her out after the Fitton.”
Never Despair collected a cool $74,000 for connections thanks to the QTIS and QTIS 600 bonuses.
They will decide in the coming days whether to continue on or turn the youngster out for a brief spell.
“We have to sit down and work out which way we go now, as this filly looks to be an ideal Magic Millions candidate,” said Nolan.
It was the first of four wins on the day for Byrne, while Nolan had a winning double with Scarlett Jo also saluting.
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