By MIKE DILLON
Colin Jillings could not wait to see the time Flying Babe recorded in winning Saturday's $70,000 BNZ Matamata Breeders Stakes.
Jillings had been hugely impressed watching Jim Gibbs' juvenile Vinaka clock a brilliant 1.09.97 1200m winning two races earlier and with two group one races coming up, comparisons are important to trainers.
Flying Babe, who will almost certainly meet Vinaka in the $120,000 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes, recorded 1.10.33, but realistically how relevant is that?
Time is important, but it is not conclusive in judging class.
Flying Babe did not have an easy trip. Being taken on in front by Media Queen 200m after the start played a big part. Media Queen did not quite have the petrol to head the raging favourite and when back clear in front again, Flying Babe's magnificent temperament showed through when she relaxed for Lance O'Sullivan.
So much so that O'Sullivan had to tap the filly up a fraction for fear of easing off too much.
The overall effect slowed the time.
Coming to the home turn O'Sullivan was thrown a curved ball. For a moment he was sure he could not win.
"Approaching the turn she changed onto the wrong leg, she switched to her off-front leg, which is always a bad sign. It showed she was feeling the effects of having been taken on in front.
"But once we straightened up and when she sprinted again she switched back onto her right leg and we were away."
Given her problems, Flying Babe's 1.10.33 was as good as Vinaka's slightly faster time.
But to be fair to Vinaka there is improvement in fitness. Jim Gibbs has freshened the Volksraad youngster, who sweated up in the parade.
"I thought he might be a bit above himself," said Gibbs almost embarrassed after Vinaka raced clear to win by a margin.
Only a long head separated Flying Babe and Vinaka at Ellerslie on January 2 and Gibbs feels his youngster should have beaten the filly. Vinaka had not raced again until Saturday and Flying Babe has looked better with each start.
One of the main reasons for that is temperament.
Co-trainer Colin Jillings is perpetually amazed at Flying Babe's ability to cope with hard work and racing.
"Look at her now, she's eating that hedge," said Jillings in amazement as Flying Babe was led around the birdcage.
"You know how hot it is today, well she copped the float trip down here and did not break into a sweat even when she was saddled up and walked into the birdcage."
Flying Babe might be only 15 hands and half an inch, but she has a big heart and constitution.
Flying Babe will head to Trentham for the Wakefield Stakes with the dual Ford Sires Produce to follow.
"Today I wanted to see if she'd run the 1400m of the Sires Produce and I think she showed with that effort she might," said Jillings.
"After the two Sires Produce races she will have had 10 races. That sounds like a lot, but with her temperament it's not that many.
"She will keep going, but the minute she shows us any signs that she's getting tired, that'll be it."
Flying Babe was not entered for the $1 million Ford Triple Crown bonus for winning the Wakefield and the two Sires Produce Stakes, but her owners David and Elizabeth Olsen are wealthy to the point that if the filly happened to win all three races, the thrill, not to mention Flying Babe's residual value, would far outweigh the money.
Rider David Walsh was delighted with the effort of Elfonze to finish second.
"At the 600m I was in two minds whether Lance was going to kick on on the favourite, so I hooked off to get a few revs up.
"If I'd stayed in the trail she'd have got the run okay when Flying Babe went ahead, but it made no difference, she'd have still finished second.
"She's a smart filly and will be better at three."
Damaschino worked nicely to the finish to take third ahead of the weakening Media Queen.
Racing: Talented juveniles look headed for showdown
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