Heavens Above has stormed home to register a big upset win in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse this afternoon.
Heavens Above has been the stable star for Rosehill trainer Tim Martin throughout her entire racing career, but is perennially forgotten in betting markets and started the 2017 Coolmore Classic as a $26 chance.
Taking a position within the field of nineteen after jumping well, Heavens Above settled into a good rhythm as Global Glamour, Daysee Doom and In Her Time traded the early blows on pace.
Jockey Tye Angland elected to pull the Street Cry mare wide rounding onto the final straight, but allowed plenty of time for her to balance before asking for an extra effort.
Mustering a slick late turn of foot, Heavens Above strode up to race leader Silent Sedition and went stride for stride with the Victorian, but bobbed her head at the right time to post a maiden win at the highest level.
Angland’s ride was arguably the difference in Heavens Above being named the Coolmore Classic winner, but the hoop was quick to lay the praise on his talented mount following the race.
“She’s a gusty little filly,” Angland said after the race.
“She hasn’t given me a bad ride for the last couple of seasons and she’s little, but she’s got a big heart.
“She had to make up a lot of ground and that was enjoyable.
“I did have to get her out of her comfort zone early which wasn’t ideal, but that was my option to have a good crack at them late and she let down really strong.”
Clark was pleased with Heavens Above’s win in the Coolmore Classic and revealed that she will likely progress to the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on Day 1 of The Championships.
“It was a great ride, great run in transit and well deserved for the horse,” Martin said.
“She was behind the eight ball coming into the race, I thought that she was a run behind, but the way the track was playing, I thought it would suit her.
“The barrier draw and everything fell into place, it was good.
“We’ll just wait and see, but she’ll go to the Doncaster probably.”
In being crowned the 2017 Coolmore Classic winner, Heavens Above has extended her record to five wins and nine minors, through twenty-one career starts.