Trainer Tim Clark was beaming following the Tulloch Lodge filly Low Key’s triumphant return at Rosehill, a stark contrast to his disappointment after her first-up defeat.
The three-year-old, heavily favoured when narrowly beaten by Threads at her initial outing on the Kensington track, has now demonstrated the strength of that form line. Threads has since proved successful at Caulfield, and Low Key led from start to finish in Wednesday’s TAB Plate over 1400 metres, validating the September 9 race as a sound indicator.
“I probably left the races the other day a little bit disappointed she did get beaten,” Clark admitted.
“But looking back on it now after Threads has gone on and won a Saturday (class) race, albeit on a Sunday. It gave me a bit more confidence coming to today, knowing that form was really strong.
“She’d trained on well from her first-up run and it looked a lovely race for her.”
With Clark in the saddle, Low Key ($1.60 favourite) established a commanding lead early and maintained it through the early stages of the straight.
Despite showing signs of fatigue in the closing stages, the filly had enough in hand to fend off Sapphire Legend ($8.50), winning by a neck, with Iommi ($5.50) a further half-neck adrift in third.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott attributed the slight tiredness in the final metres to the filly’s step up from 1150m to 1400m. He expressed confidence in her ability and confirmed plans to target the Group 3 Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick on Everest day.
“There’s a nice three-year-old fillies race over 1400 metres over the carnival for a filly like her that I think will be a nice, natural progression,” Bott stated.
“It was great to see her get the job done today because I think she deserves her crack at that level.
“She might have just been out on her feet there late with that step up in trip. There was a little bit of early pressure there which she was able to withstand.
“Now, having that nice foundation and that run at the 1400 will set her up really well to take the step into that company.”
Low Key, a $280,000 yearling acquisition, is the progeny of Pinatubo and the five-time winner Really Discreet.
For those keen to get involved, consider exploring the competitive Australian betting sites for the upcoming Reginald Allen Quality.
