Progressive filly CANADIAN DANCER provided our fourth winner in the past week when breaking her maiden in dominant fashion at Ipswich on Wednesday.
Starting a warm favourite in the opening race of the midweek program, CANADIAN DANCER justified her short quote with a two-length victory under a composed ride from Ben Thompson, shortly before a heavy deluge forced officials to abandon the remainder of the meeting.
Proven Thoroughbreds also had a leading chance in the third event in TRIP THE LIGHT, but we can consider ourselves fortunate that even one race proceeded given more than 30mls fell in the space of about half an hour.
While co-trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted ponder a revised race for TRIP THE LIGHT, CANADIAN DANCER is likely to step up in trip at her next start.
Like our two other VANCOUVER’s in the stable (VANTAN EXPRESS and VANDINI), CANADIAN DANCER gives the impression she will excel once she gets out to a mile and possibly further.
Ironically, VANCOUVER himself was a Golden Slipper winner which is a complete deviation from most of his stock as they typically need time and distance.
“She’s a filly that has always had above average ability and has really grown up this preparation,” Hoysted said.
“A lot of credit to the team. Baylee Nothdurft has done a lot of work on this filly to get her to relax.
“She is a typical Vancouver that improves with a bit of time. She has all the makings of a promising stayer. Once she steps up in grade and the more experience she has, the more she will improve.”
CANADIAN DANCER was a $50,000 purchase from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.