Brash drive sets scene for Group One glory

A BRASH drive set the scene for Group One glory at Club Menangle last night.

Taking the reins behind Sugar Pie Honey in a New South Wales Breeders' Challenge Final, Ashleigh Delosa's initiative is a major reason the filly caused a minor upset according to trainer Rickie Alchin.

On the third line of betting at $5, Sugar Pie Honey was driven aggressively on her way to a six-and-a-half metre win from the $2.60 favourite, Gunna Reload.

"The move from Ash to go around and take the lead midrace was bold but it won the race," Alchin said. "She summed the race up perfectly.

"I was very confident in the fillies' chance and felt she just needed luck to go her way, but in the end Ash made her own luck."

Covering the mile in 1:52.3, Sugar Pie Honey took her record to four wins and two placings from seven starts for earnings of $112,998.

By Sweet Lou, the two-year-old is from broodmare gem Im Justforyou, making her a half-sister to Group One winning trotter, London To A Brick.

"I can't think of many mares, if any, which have left a Group One winning trotter and pacer," Alchin said. "Now her last three foals have earned over $100,000 as well."

Less than an hour later Alchin and Delosa combined to complete a clean sweep of the fillies' Finals after Golly Gee Fellas proved too good in the three-year-old division.

Working forward to find lead from barrier 10, Golly Gee Fellas cruised to a 13-and-a-half metre win from Elusive, with Soap Opera five metres away third in 1:50.5.

"She only started racing a few months ago and has come a long way this filly," Alchin said. "These are hard races to win, but to tell the truth, I felt she was the best in the race.

"Now we've got to decide whether to take her down for the Breeders' Crown or put her in a paddock as there are some nice options for her next season."