BABY EXPLODES after ASTUTE CALL

Trainer Danny O'Brien didn't have to wait long to repaid for the astute decision to abort Baby Hazel's Spring campaign early and focus on the Autumn. 

The daughter of Extreme Choice showed promise with a city placing on debut as a two-year-old in May, but her Spring return only resulted in two poor performances.

O'Brien made the decision to pull up stumps and allow the filly more time to mature and on Sunday first-up at Benalla, she surged from back in the field to break her maiden status impressively. 

"She is a just a filly needed more time to develop and mature. I have been very happy with building up to her return and she was aided by an excellent ride from Zac Spain," O'Brien said. 

"She is a nice filly that we have hopes will continue progressing."

Spain eased out of an early speed battler and jagged the three-year-old to settle back in the field. Coming to the turn he pulled her to the outside and she flew down the outside to overpower in rivals in the 1100m fillies maiden event.

Pic by Racing Photos