Heavens Above has returned to winning form via a strong late effort in the Group 3 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse this afternoon.
Heavens Above will progress to the Group 2 Golden Pendant after winning the Sheraco Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Steve Hart
Heavens Above has been the stable star for trainer Tim Martin this year, capping an autumn preparation second in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in April, and had reportedly taken plenty of benefit form a first-up run for fourth in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1300m) three weeks ago.
Jumping from the barriers well this afternoon, the Street Cry mare took a position within the field of fourteen as Magnajoy and Serene Majesty took up the early running.
Rounding onto the final straight with plenty to do, jockey Tye Angland allowed plenty of time for the mare to balance before pressing the button, but timed his run to absolute perfection when the mare bobbed her head at the right time to beat Ravi and Magic Alibi on the line.
Angland’s perfectly-timed ride was instrumental in Heavens Above’s return to the winner’s circle this afternoon, but was quick to lay all the praise on the talented mare in the success.
“She’s not the biggest mare but she’s got a really big heart,” Angland said.
“1200m isn’t her trip but it just shows how well she does go and how hard she tries.
“I drew soft and there was a big bunch running to that first corner. I was just tucked away in behidnt hem nicely and travelling well.
“When you’re in that position you’ve got one concern and that’s getting out. It took me a long time to get out and it was tight.
“She did a good job to get out and win that race.”
In saddling Heavens Above to success in the Sheraco Stakes, Martin secured a running double at Rosehill this afternoon and revealed that the mare will now travel to Melbourne to contest the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m).
“I’ve had her all the way through, she’s a real darling and has been great,” Martin said.
“It was a really brave ride. I was worried about her getting too far back and not getting a run, but it was great.
“She’ll be going to the Golden Pendant in two weeks and then back up for the Epsom.”
Heavens Above is not a multiple stakes winner, having also taken out the Group 3 Aspiration Handicap (1600m) at Randwick in March.
