ELLIBABY kept her unblemished record intact with a gutsy first-up win at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
The filly was sent for a short spell after a dynamic debut at Doomben in January, and proved she would be a force to be reckoned with this prep with a second career victory for the team at On Track Racing.
After jumping the short-priced favourite, ELLIBABY raced prominently throughout but was no good thing at the 400m mark.
However, the daughter of Merchant Navy dug deep in the closing stages under the urgings of Ryan Maloney to register a narrow victory which carried her earnings to $37,600.
"It was a tough run and she's a tough horse," said David.
"The horse that took her on early finished well back in the field, whereas she had the audacity to be fighting it out with the fresh horses on the scene. She pulled up really well, her heart rate was at normal limits just a few minutes after the race, so it was a great effort by a filly with plenty of upside.
"Moving forward, there's a 3YO race over 1300m at Eagle Farm at the beginning of May which looks suitable for her, and hopefully she's in for a great prep."
Congratulations to Grant at On Track and all her owners: Mr D Lesjak, Bayles Girls Racing, Mr R Marsolino, Miss A R Bayles, Mr F J Vernon, Mr P R Mcgavin, Mrs J McGavin, Mr D McWilliams, Mr Z Marks, Dr A M Morrison-Galt, Mr M Vogelsang, Mr J Wilson, Mr P D Smart, Mr A M Smart, Mr B La Master, Bliss Racing, Mr G Kotoski and Mrs A M Szuster.