Classy filly ticking along before main target

CLASY youngster Changeup will be kept “ticking along slowly” as connections prepare for her main target of the season.

Successful against older company at Globe Derby during the weekend, Changeup is being readied for the Southern Cross series by trainer Michael Sugars.

Sugars prepares the filly for his father – legendary horseman, Les – who also bred the daughter of Changeover.

Heats of the Southern Cross are scheduled for next month, with the Final set to be conducted at the troubled venue on December 5.

“The Southern Cross is where we are heading with her,” Sugars said. “She is coming along very nicely and should be competitive in the series.

“For now I will just keep her ticking along and find what I can before the heats.”

Caught three-wide into the breeze from barrier three, Changeup gained the ideal one-one trail as Bien Hoa was sent forward to sit outside the leader, One Night At Themile.

Taken wide again leaving the back straight, Changeup quickly strode to the lead before sprinting to a soft eight-and-a-half metre win from Bien Hoa.

One Night At Themile battled on to be a metre away third.

Rating 1:57.8 over 1800 metres, the three-year-old took her record to five wins and five placings from 11 starts for earnings of $12,406.

“She has come along really well,” Sugars said. “I’ve had a few little niggles with her along the way, but she’s doing a top job for Dad.

“Dad still gets out at the stable every morning to help, but isn’t moving as well these days so only watches her race on the television.”