Ideal hit out ahead of main assignment

AN IDEAL hit out at Club Menangle last Saturday night has Shez The Reason in a perfect position ahead of her main assignment.

Given a short break following her Queensland Oaks Consolation victory at Albion Park on July 22, Shez The Reason proved too slick in the Pink Diamond Stake.

Considering the win as a bonus, trainer Brad Hewitt stated he entered the filly in the feature as a “lead up” ahead of the New South Wales Breeders’ Blue series.

Heats of the futurity are programmed for Menangle next Monday.

“The Diamond fitted in nicely for her,” Hewitt said. “I gave her a little bit of time off after her Queensland trip, so she was in need of a lead up before the Blue started.

“The main objective was a good hit out, and while I considered her a good chance, getting the win is a bonus.”

With Hewitt in the cart, Shez The Reason worked forward from barrier nine to find the lead as early pacemaker, Modern Miley, was eased to take a trail.

Headed by Windy Hill Tara along the back straight, Shez The Reason fought back to score by two metres from the favourite.

Modern Miley was three-and-a-half metres way third in 1:54.2 over a mile.

“She’ll gain plenty from the hit out and with some solid work this week will be right for the heat,” Hewitt said.