A Ballymore Double

Luke Nolen earned himself a place in the Miller’s Guide with five winners at Bendigo on Sunday and Ballymore were very pleased to have provided two of them!

Making his debut for us – connections patient in their wait for the five-year-old to hit the track – Dragon Head was impressive taking out the 1300m maiden.

Jumping nicely before taking a good position, fourth on the rails, Dragon Head was always travelling well, drawing clear in the straight and holding on gamely when challenged late.

A NZ$63,000 purchase for Paul Moroney, Dragon Head is raced by Rohan Aujard, GG Ltd (manager Gerard Peterson) James Banaghan, Paul Williams, David, Brenda& Paul Duchen, Marie Temler, Rhett Tregunna and 3d Northcote Bus Service P/L.

He is by the Danehill’s Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes winner Viking Ruler (descendant of the mighty Eight Carat) out of the winning Yeats mare Maud Gonne. Her dam is the Gr.1 WA Oaks heroine Cologne, sister to the Gr.3 Tasmanian Oaks winner Sound Gold. Gr.1 winners Swick and Rhythmic Charm are also members of this family.

Later in the day Jelly Baby found winning form in the 2400m event, the daughter of Istidaad racing away to a easy 3½ length victory.

Bumped at the start before sitting sixth, the promising stayer made her run from the 650m and was cruising as she rounded up her rivals from the turn.

Getting clear at the 300m before racing away, Jelly Baby was eased on the line.

Stepping up to the 2400m for the first time this preparation (city placed over 2100m last time in), Jelly Baby looks to have a bright future over trips.

Raced by Gerard Van Ameyden, Samantha Nuttall, GeoffryJ Sharp, Catherine Hart, Sof Manousopoulos, Cameron Lamb, Michelle Kneebone, Homer Koster and Josephine Luppino, she is out of the Groom Dancer mare Crina, half sister to the stakes placed Carngo from the family of Gr.1 mare Happiness and last Saturday’s Listed Parrmatta Cup winner Praecido.