Any staying-bred horse capable of winning on debut has a good deal of potential and that was the case at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday as DUNDEEL filly GAP YEAR arrived in time to claim the 1400m maiden.
The 3YO was partnered by Stephanie Thornton from the inside barrier and came from a long way off the pace to prevail in the tightest of finishes.
To put in such a sustained run to the post at her first outing was particularly pleasing for co-trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted as they have patiently educated this filly.
When Proven Thoroughbreds purchased GAP YEAR for $120k from Arrowfield Stud’s draft at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, we suspected she was a filly that would need time to mature.
So, for her to break through on debut as a summer 3YO was a welcome bonus in the context of her career ahead. She is also closely related to PROFIT, who was seen running third in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes at Eagle Farm 24 hours prior.
O’Dea and Hoysted are leaning towards a spell now for GAP YEAR but will make a final decision in the next couple of days.
Proven’s tally of winners for 2021 now stands at a new record of 63 while our seasonal count is up to 30.