Kiwi filly too good in Redwood Classic

KIWI filly Mexicana delivered trainer Josh Dickie and reinsman Greg Sugars the prestigious Volstead Redwood Classic trophy today at Maryborough.

Having her first run in Australia, the daughter of Muscle Mass began safely from the standing start before working around early leader Illawong Barmah to take up the running.

Once in front, Mexicana and Sugars set a controlled tempo and repelled the late challenge of Illawong Barmah along the sprint lane and Aldebaran Zeus out wider to register a metre-and-a-half win.

“I’m stoked,” Sugars said. “It’s a very prestigious race and this trophy is one that all trainers and drivers aim to get their hands on at some stage in their career.

“I’m extremely thankful to Josh and his team and to Trevor (Casey) and the owners to trust me with this filly. She’s a beautiful girl.

“All credit to Josh and his team.

“They have obviously educated this filly very well. She was a pleasure to deal with from the parade ring to warming up, to that crucial 10 to 15 seconds facing the tapes.

“I never pulled the earplugs and got too serious with her. She was actually pretty casual out in front. She felt really strong on the line, so I think there’s plenty more there.”

The sentiments augur well for Mexicana’s upcoming Breeders’ Crown campaign, the heats of which will be run at Maryborough on Thursday, November 12.

• HRV Media