ABR looks to have a potential star with two-year-old filly Coastal Babe following her win in the NZB Standardbred Harness Million 2YO Fillies Final (1980m) at Addington.
Coastal Babe has three wins and a third from four starts picking up NZ$147,173.
Trained by Steven Reid and driven by Matt White, the filly really hit the headlines with an all-the-way win in the Caduceus Club Fillies Classic (2200m) at Auckland on September running a New Zealand two-year-old record of 1:56.6.
Then last Friday, Coastal Babe did a bit of early work from a wide gate before finding the front and White was able to control the tempo and eventually win by a neck from Ultimate Racy Girl with Melody Banner three-quarters of a length away third.
Driver Matt White said the daughter of Downbytheseaside was continuing to improve.
“I think that is the big thing with Coastal Babe; she is just getting stronger all the time,” White said.
“She is a really happy horse, and she was happy to roll along in front tonight.”
“It has been a great night, I am absolutely rapt.”
When Coastal Babe stamped herself as clearly New Zealand’s best two-year-old pacing filly, it brought a sense of relief to trainer Steven Reid.
Reid admitted the filly’s recent Group One win in the Caduceus Club Fillies Classic has lifted Coastal Babe’s profile and brought extra pressure with it.
“It (Friday) probably wasn’t as exciting as the Caduceus because she is establishing herself as maybe the best filly, and with it comes extra pressure,” Reid said.
“I felt pretty relieved when she crossed the line.”
Aaron Bain, principal of ABR, said the form of Coastal Babe was exciting.
“Steven and Matt have done a great job to win these two features and deserve a chance for the rest of the juvenile feature races before she heads to Australia, and she is eligible for as Vicbred bonus.
