In-form mare Double O Heaven produced the best performance on her career at Globe Derby Park
on Saturday.
The seven-year-old mare made it three wins in three weeks sitting parked for a lap and a half before
taking out the Hygain Fiber Protect Pace (2230m).
All in front of one of her New Zealand owners Andrew Scott and his wife Linda.
“That was amazing,” Scott said.
“She was racing keenly, then when she got caught parked, I thought her chances of a win were gone.
“But she gave a kick off the back and ran the trip out strongly to win. It was fantastic.”
Driven by Gaita Pullicino, Double O Heaven ($3.50) scored a two-metre win from Steam Cleaned ($7)
with Make Haste ($2.50 fav), 2-1/2 metres away third.
Double O Heaven rated 1:59.1 coming home in a last half of 57.6 seconds.
Scott, who hails from Canterbury on the South Island of New Zealand, said he was so pleased that
the mare had become so consistent since coming to South Australia.
“We have always believed that she had some talent, but credit to trainer Aaron Bain and his team,
she is now delivering,” Scott said.
“I could never have imagined that she could race on three consecutive Saturdays – and win each
time.
“I always thought she needed a week or two between runs but there is no doubt she is loving life
here in South Australia.”
Double O Heaven did her early racing in New Zealand before being transferred to Victorian trainer
Brent Lilley in late 2019.
She won four races in Victoria before being transferred to Aaron Bain in mid-2021.
In just over a year, Double O Heaven has now won six races from just 12 starts and keeps improving.
On Saturday, Pullicino had the mare settling one-out, one-back early but she was racing keenly.
In a mid-race move, Steam Cleaned, which had been outside the lead, took over the front leaving
Double O Heaven parked and still giving her driver a tough experience.
But Double O Heaven lifted with 250 metres to travel and drew the front and held her rivals off for
an outstanding win.
She was the first leg of a race-to-race double for Bain with Morningstar Gold scoring a last stride win
in the following race, the Happy Hour – Everyday 3pm – 6pm at The Globe Pace (1800m).
Driver Samantha Pascoe sprinted the seven-year-old up over the last 600 metres and he came wide
to win.
