Written by Georgie Dennis
She was all over the place down the Eagle Farm straight but it didn’t matter for Sweet Dolly (Real Saga), as her turn of foot was still too strong and she took out the Listed Calaway Gal S.
Coming off a 5.8l win on debut at Townsville, the Kevin Hansen-trained filly settled one off the fence in the second group back and managed to get into the clear at the 300 metre mark, before veering out upon being hit with the whip.
It was no problem though, as she rocketed home in the final stages of the race and overran the front runners to win by 0.75l.
Fake Love (I Am Invincible) scored second after looking the winner before Sweet Dolly spotted past, while Rhapsody Rose (Star Witness) was another 0.2l away in third.
Thrilled with the win, Rockhampton-based trainer, who only has three horses in his stable, said he was impressed with the win after her waywardness in the straight.
“She did so much wrong but still got home,” Hansen said.
“She was purchased as a weanling at the Magic Millions and showed ability from day one.
“She has done a mighty job in the last fortnight. She trialled at Rocky (Rockhampton) on Monday, Townsville on the Saturday. We weren’t going to come here, but she pulled up that well we took her blood and she was spot on so we came.”
"We weren’t going to come here, but she pulled up that well we took her blood and she was spot on so we came.” - Kevin Hansen
Despite the Calaway Gal being a regular lead-up for the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic, Sweet Dolly is not entered for next month’s lucrative juvenile race, however, Hansen said he was hopeful she could feature at the rich race day next year.
“She is not paid up for the Magic Millions so she can go to the paddock now and have a decent spell and we’ll be back next year,” Hansen said.
Purchased by Kenneth and Michelle Walker for $1500 at Book 2 of the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale from the draft of Raheen Stud, Sweet Dolly is the fifth winner from six to race out of winning mare Sweet Cherub (Canny Lad).
Out of Hippy (King Of Kings {Ire}), Sweet Cherub is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Beatniks (Haradasun), while she is also related to multiple stakes winner Love And Money (Secret Savings {USA}).
After missing to Spill The Beans in 2019, Sweet Cherub produced a filly by Heroic Valour this season.
Sweet Dolly becomes the seventh stakes winner for late sire Real Saga, whose final crop are yearlings this year.
The late Real Saga
