SPEED MACHINE PROVES GOLIATH

Three-year-old filly Davida jumped to the lead and scorched the turf to set up an commanding victory at Cranbourne on Saturday. 

Apprentice jockey Logan Bates executed trainer Danny O'Brien's tactics perfectly  as he surged the filly to the front and set fast sectionals throughout, before careering away winning eased down. All this despite her starting price of $25 in the 1400m event.

"Danny filled me full of confidence that she could keep churning out quick furlongs and when I looked the screen inside the 100m I saw that we were well clear so I let her coast the final part of the race," Bates said, who rode her at 52kg in the BM70 three-year-old event thanks to his 2kg claim.

Assistant Trainer Michael Blomeley said the stable had a high opinion of the filly as she had contested a stakes race at her start previously.

"She stumbled coming out of the gates that day and her race was over, but today Logan was able to get her away cleanly and that has allowed her to set up the win."

O'Brien also trained Our Chief in the race who finished a credible third for jockey Jamie Melham following a wide run throughout in his return to the track. 

"It was a nice return. He did it the tough way, but I liked that he kept coming and that bodes well for later in his preparation as he gets out in trip. I really like him as a horse," Melham  said.

Pics by Racing Photos