​Ornamental Lady returned to racing with a strong win at Mount Gambier on Friday.
First-up since an unplaced run at Donald in November last year, the 5YO daughter of Epaulette showed plenty of grit to win the TAB Benchmark 68 Handicap over 1202m.
A positive ride from barrier four by Ben Price had the pair stalking the pace before making a winning move just before the home turn.
Despite race favourite Chill With Teejay chasing hard over the last 200m, the mare pulled out all stops to win by a half-length.
Always a consistent performer first-up, this win was her first when returning from a spell, complementing three placings from four previous attempts.
Her appreciation of a slow track also showed up, now having won three times at that rating from her four career wins.
Well supported at $5, the mare is now closing in on the $100,000 prizemoney milestone.
From 20 starts, her four wins and eight placings has netted $93,508.
Congratulations to all her connections – hopefully she is in for a fruitful campaign. 

An old-fashioned training method played its part in the first-up win of So She Can Fly in the Ords Motorcycles BM64 over 1600-metres at Ararat on March 3rd.
The promising So You Think mare finished strongly from well back to score comfortably by 1½ lengths.
And unlike what is deemed normal practise these days, the 4YO won without a lead-up trial.
The come from behind win on a track that generally plays to on pace runners pleased Daniel.
“She was very impressive. She’s definitely improved from last preparation which we’d hoped she would.”

Ridden by star hoop John Allen, he was able to shoulder his way clear from a tricky position upon straightening before surging late.
The ride received strong praise from Daniel, albeit not before mid-race concerns.
“I was a little worried at the 400-metre mark. I thought we’re going to be unlucky here, she’s got nowhere to go, but it was a super ride.”

Looking to rise through the grades Daniel hasn’t ruled out heading to the city for her next assignment.
“We’ll try to find the right race for her, whether it’s Sandown on a Wednesday or a Friday night at Moonee Valley.”
While both her wins have been at a mile, Daniel thinks her best will be seen over further.
“She’s bred to get 2000-metres and she’s run well at that before. We know she goes well with freshness in her legs, so we’ll give her time and see how she’s recovers.”

​Congratulations to all her owners.