Mother knows best

IF EVER there was an example of ‘mother knows best’ it would have to be the rejuvenation of struggling pacer Mammals Reason.

Winless from six starts for Corey Bell, Mammals Reason was transferred to the horseman’s mother Lisa Hardy last month, with the mare striking sensational form.

Not only did Mammals Reason score first-up for Hardy, she has won two of her three subsequent starts, including Shepparton last night.

Mammals Reason also finished a respectable third two starts ago.

Mammals Reason’s debut success for Hardy was also the four-year-old’s first win since her victory in Parkes on June 20, 2025 under the care of Nathan Turnbull.

The daughter of For A Reason had three stable changes before finding her way into Hardy’s team.

“Corey offered her to Greg Flemming and he asked if I wanted to go halves in her,” Hardy explained. “I said ‘yes’ as did Greg’s partner Michelle Woodroffe, so now Michelle and I own her.

“We couldn’t be happier with her. She has been improving every week, including getting stronger, so we’re thrilled with the way things are going.

“She is no world beater, but is a nice little thing which tries hard and is going along well.”

With star driver Mark Pitt holding the reins, Mammals Reason was settled two-back in the running line from barrier five as Security Check led from gate three.

Coming with a well-timed sprint along the home straight, Mammals Reason registered a metre-and-a-half win from Our Mystery Bet.

Elizajane was a metre away third as the winner rated 1:57.8 over 2190 metres.

“That was another good run from her and great dive by Mark,” Hardy said. “Going into the race I was confident enough she would run a good race, it was just the trip I was a little reserved about.

“Her first two wins for us had been over the short, while she finished third over 2190 metres a couple of weeks ago.

“Her work has lifted since then and that showed last night.”