Himanagirlff showed his usual early speed from the outside of the front row and easily moved into the lead, while Don Hugo struggled to get past pole marker Regazzo Di Tilly. But once he was balanced, Luke McCarthy sent Don Hugo to the front, while Jye Coney wisely followed suit with Himanagirlff.
The field was in Indian line and with Don Hugo comfortably in the lead, it really looked like his race was up for grabs. But Himanamifjeff stayed right behind him and Coney let him come off the fence to issue a challenge.
HIMANAMEISJEFF FEB 7 REPEAT
The two had a great battle down the home straight, running a torrid 25.9 seconds for the final quarter, but Himanagirlff got the upper hand and he was a neck over Don Hugo with Kingmaker in third.
The gelding has now won 14 races at Menangle and he clearly enjoys the wide track.
Jye Coney responded.
It’s such a great feeling to win such a time-honored race like the JE Binskin Memorial. Riding such a powerful horse like Himanagirlff and beating a horse like Don Hugo is definitely a career highlight. I’m just grateful for the opportunities I get. At the top of the straight I still had a lot of horse left. He felt great. I pulled it out and it went straight to the line so well. I am always available for the ride.
With a time of 1.49.3 for the mile, Don Hugo was far from disgraced and the former Miracle Mile winner should still be in contention despite his loss.
Luke McCarthy commented after the event.
He’s built up very well. It’s incredible how many sections these top horses run these days. I don’t think he’s ever worked a quarter faster than that (25.9 seconds). He hadn’t run in four to five weeks. He did great, but all credit to the winner. He was great too.
But now Himanagirlff has entered the fray and trainer Jason Grimson will have a strong hand in the Miracle Mile with Swayzee and more recently the flying mare Captains Mistress all capable of winning the coveted classic.
For driver Jye Coney it was an evening he will not soon forget. Earlier in the evening he was successful with Still Rollin (Rock N Roll Heaven), also trained by Grimson. He then sent Lexys on Song (Rock N Roll Heaven) all the way to the Waratah Final and then his fourth winner came through Sky Blu (Sweet Lou) who took out the Ladyship Pace.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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