Birthday acknowledgement and maiden win all in one!

GIVEN the title of the second event at Club Menangle yesterday, it would be remiss not write about the race and winner.

Named Happy 9th 32nd Birthday Kim Procter, the trotters’ mobile referral caused some confusion, but was an acknowledgement of Procter turning 32 for the ninth time – definitely not 40!

The Victorian-based Procter also has a connection with National Trotguide as she trains Flyin First Class, which is part-owned by our well-seasoned scribe Michael Court and his sister, Vicki.

As for the winner, Florencita broke her maiden status at her 11th start for trainer Blake Fitzpatrick.

Driven by Sofia Arvidsson, Florencita showed little speed from barrier four to be positioned three-back along the pegs as Queen Of Strathfield worked to the lead from gate eight.

Angled to the middle of the track at the top of the home straight, Florencita unleashed a strong sprint to score by a metre-and-a-half from Queen Of Strathfield.

My Double Delight was five-and-a-half metres away third.

Bred and owned by Fitzpatrick’s wife, Lisa, the daughter of Love You covered the mile in 1:58.2.

“She did well when third at her last start and really put it together this time,” Fitzpatrick said.

“She’s been working well and we expected a good showing from her, but we weren’t exactly busting with confidence.

“Lisa bred and does all the work with her and was pretty sure she was ready to win…so I guess she was right, again!”