BASHFUL GIRL PUTS HER HAND UP

By Graham Potter | Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Bashful Girl, in her fifth run back following a five month break, gained due reward for her efforts at Caulfield on Saturday after showing to good advantage in recent starts without getting the chocolates.

The four-year-old mare was given the run of the race in a perfect fourth placing in the early part, but the speed of the race did represent a threat to her chance of victory. Apprentice Brenton Avdulla had taken Ladari to the front but, once there, he slowed the speed down to suit his own purposes. The tempo was only ordinary as the runners lined up for the sprint home, but ‘old hand’ Steven King was aware of the intended ambush and he had Bashful Girl ready to roll as Avdulla finally gave Ladari the green light and set sail for home at the top of the straight.

Ladari remained competitive all the way down the straight, but Bashful Girl steadily wore own the leader, getting to the front when it mattered most to score when a well-deserved win.

Third placed Blue Collar Jill deserves mention. The mare tracked the leader on the rail into the straight and then tried to get out, but that moved was blocked. As Ladari shifted marginally off the rail, Blue Collar Jill went back to the inside and accepted that run. She appeared to have every chance from there and she fought on bravely to take third placing, but the delay at the top of the straight did cost her at the time.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith: “She’s been racing well but (up until now) it just hasn’t worked out on the day. Steven, naturally, rode her very well today. The race wasn’t run to suit her, but he sort of adjusted to the conditions of the race and got her home.

“I did think we would be that close in the running, because I knew there would be no pace on. She is a better mare with pace on, but I mean what can you do if it is not on? Yeah, he (Steven King) got her in a good position and when they quickened around the turn, he was right there ready to be there and I think that made the difference.”

Jockey Steven King: “I was in the right spot off a slow speed and she ended up giving a kick. Just the fact they went so slow, you know, I was on the best horse in the right position.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Bashful Girl): 3.10 out to 3.60.
The winner was the favourite.