Red-hot apprentice continues winning run in Albany

Rising apprentice jockey Brodie Kirby finished with a winning double after guiding Queen Tori and Ashalily to victory in the eight-race Albany Racing Club meeting last Thursday.

Kirby, the in-form apprentice in WA, took his Great Southern tally to three wins in the 2017-18 season after the double, with Queen Tori saluting for the first time in owner and trainer Des Attwell’s name.

Queen Tori was previously trainer by Roy Rogers at her other two career wins and made it a third win at the track and distance when she scooted clear at the top of the home straight for Kirby to win by 2¾ lengths over Mongolian Warlord.

The six-year-old mare jumped well from barrier six to lob outside the leader Kwikon The Trigger and had a terrific run to salute at a big payout of $23.

“She has been getting on and off the bit but settled better today,” Attwell said.

“She has won a class five and her trackwork has been good.”

Rising staying prospect Ashalily stormed home for Kirby in the TABtouch Ladies Day Feb 11 Handicap (1940m) to give the Paul Hunter stable a double as well.

Starting a $10 chance, Ashalily on the back of an impressive second last start, was put into the race by Kirby nearing the home turn and charged home to down Ready To Fire by a short head, with Striking Star a half-length away in third.

Hunter said they were likely to nominate the five-year-old for this Sunday’s $30,000 fillies and mares feature race at Percy Spencer Racecourse.

“Her two runs over ground have been really promising,” he said.

“That effort was terrific, I thought, and we’ll have a look at the fillies and mares race now, see what nominates and have a chat with the owners.”

Albany trainer Stephen Sheehy enjoyed a career-best day after he secured his first winning double courtesy of Rowie and the rejuvenated Its Not Trading.

Both horses broke long winning droughts, with Its Not Trading impressive as he produced a 3¼ length win over 1512m despite a wide gate.