BRANDY Hill trainer Sam Dimarco rued a poor draw in 10 for the group 1 NSW Breeders Challenge final after consistent filly Black Silhouette earned her place with third on Saturday night at Menangle Park.
Black Silhouette was the only Hunter-trained runner to secure a guaranteed start in the July 1 deciders from the last round of semi-finals.
She was 5.7 metres third to winner Goodtime Heaven, which clocked 1:52.8 in semi-final No.2 of the three-year-old fillies series.
Black Silhouette’s hopes though of at least a repeat effort in the $150,000 final were dealt a blow when she drew 10, which should become the second-widest start in nine with emergencies out.
Louth Park trainer Melanie Elder’s Ashark and Bobs Farm trainer Geoff Harding’s Rocknlachlan were sixth in their three-year-old colts and geldings qualifiers to be emergencies for their final.
Chris Geary took Black Silhouette to the lead early but Goodtime Heaven quickly took over and cruised to victory. Dimarco was happy with the run behind a “very, very smart horse”.
“Our filly went just over 1:53, which would be her best time,” Dimarco said. “She’s very consistent and has been unplaced only once in 16 starts this season.
“She’s won just over $70,000 now and definitely paid her way. She’s no superstar but she’s done well for us and we’ve had a lot of fun.”
Dimarco was hoping for an inside draw to put his filly “in the mix” in the final but said he had no expectations from the wide start.
Newcastle has a 10-race meeting on Monday starting at 1.04pm.
