Quality three-year-old filly Leami Astray takes another step towards next month’s Scone carnival when she steps out on her home track at Nowra on Sunday.
Prepared by Robert Price Leami Astray has displayed above average ability in her only three starts.
In her first preparation after trialling well, the daughter of Darci Brahma won her first two starts at Moruya and Nowra by a combined total of 9.3 lengths.
Put away for 92 days, Leami Astray resumed from the break when controversially beaten by Zippity Lass in a 1100m Benchmark 60 handicap at Gosford on April 12.
Apprentice Winona Costin protested against the winner alleging interference in the home straight but stewards dismissed her protest.
“It was a travesty how she got beaten,” Price bemoaned. “She had 59 kilos and drew the widest gate. We were going to ride her back with cover but with the rail out nine metres you had to be up on pace.
“The horse that led and won shunted us off the track on the home turn and leaned all over us in the straight. My filly was really intimidated.
“How the protest wasn’t upheld I still don’t know.”
Price has all but forgotten about the decision and is looking to the future with relish.
He has the $140,000 Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone on May 14 as her major goal.
“We look like we’re going to get rain down here and if it’s heavy I won’t run her. I’ll go straight to Scone,” Price stated.
Price got Leami Astray after a walk across the road to Bellview Stud. He often calls in to check on what the stud has available.
“She’s got a bent leg and wasn’t going to make it to the yearling sales so I took a punt and bought her,” Price recalled. “She’s a lovely big strong filly. A quality animal.
“I’ve got a good opinion of her, always have. She can definitely gallop. She’s still a bit hot and learning but the ability’s there.”
Since Gosford Leami Astray has blossomed.
“She’s done really well since the run, put on eight kilos and probably done too well,” Price said. “I’m really happy with her. This is the best she’s ever pulled up and I think she’ll improve again off this run heading to Scone.”
Leami Astray has drawn barrier two in the Kokoda Track WW2 Class 2 Hcp (1000m) with Jay Ford to pilot.
– Racing NSW
