The speedy Baby Huey broke a run of three consecutive placings at Sandown Park last night with a gutsy win in a heat of the Ron Nestor Memorial.
As expected he led from box 1 and maintained his advantage approaching the home turn. The pressure was poured on late by Dava Supreme and Aeroplane Tippa which had Baby Huey’s trainer Paul Bartolo sweating.
“When I saw the four coming up I thought here we go again. I said to Ken Bailey (trainer of Aeroplane Tippa) ‘you’ve got me’,” said Bartolo.
Baby Huey showed a great will to win and held on by a ¼ of a length in 29.76.
“I’m rapt, it’s a relief. He gives us everything he’s got. He’s just a few lengths short on his run home time to hold them off in the higher grades.”
Baby Huey kick started his racing career in May last year with a GRV Vic Bred Maiden series win becoming the first city winner sired by Fernando Bale. At the time Bartolo didn’t have big wraps on him but since then has had 34 starts, for 11 wins and a further 14 placings.
“He has surprised me. Fernando’s pups are funny, they keep improving as time goes on. I was tempted to try and sell him early, but I spoke with Andrea Dailly who said Fernando Bale didn’t show them much as a youngster but then just kept improving.”
The litter bred by Bartolo and his son Ray has experienced success not only here in Australia but in Ireland too.
“Three from the litter went to Ireland and they’ve all won races. One of the races Huey won here, on the same night one of his litter mates won in Ireland.”
The Ron Nestor Memorial series is unique as heats are run at both metropolitan tracks. A further four heats will be hosted by The Meadows tomorrow night with the final to be held there next Saturday April 28.
Click here for all of last night’s results
