Racing: Track record bodes well for impressive filly Solvini

Two factors on Saturday suggested Solvini is a coming headliner.

She broke the 1200m New Plymouth track record in running 1.9.02 to win the $45,000 Ford 2YO, and the way she quickly disposed of the favourite Master Hunter.

The indicator was the way Master Hunter has kicked away from the opposition in winning his two raceday starts.

This time Solvini had the favourite in her sights and beaten almost as soon as the field straightened for the run home.

Yes, Master Hunter had to use some fuel getting to the rail from the outside barrier, but he did so before the first bend and covered no extra ground.

But for the barrier draw he would have been more difficult to pick up, but Solvini was so impressive she would have won regardless.

The $150,000 Ford Diamond Stakes on the final day of the Ellerslie March carnival is next, says trainer Trevor McKee, who was pleased to finally grab some good luck with the filly.

"She'd had to be burned up from outside barriers in her last couple and was found a bit wanting in the closing stages," said McKee.

"It was a different story this time from the inside draw."

The McKee stable picked up the previous race with Sandboy, who had similarly been hampered by wide barriers in his recent racing. The No 1 gate had him in front and far too strong late in the race.