After an extended five-month spell, TimeOnLees has returned to racing in excellent form, producing two strong performances to begin her new preparation.
She resumed on 24 May at Ballarat in the 1500m Hygain Edge BM62 Handicap, finishing a creditable third, just 3.3 lengths from the winner. In a race run at a genuine tempo, she was taking on rivals who were already deeper into their preparations and proved a little too sharp on the day. Despite that, it was a pleasing first-up effort and a solid platform to build from.
Race replay here ››
TimeOnLees then stepped up to 1620m at Donald in the CHS Broadbent BM62 Handicap, where she produced an excellent runner-up finish under Damien Thornton.
Jumping well and settling fifth with cover, she travelled comfortably throughout and built into the race nicely. Thornton had her perfectly positioned approaching the turn and, despite being pushed slightly wide, she straightened strongly and unleashed an impressive turn of foot. At the 200m mark she looked every chance of winning, surging to the lead before being challenged late by the highly regarded favourite Paddypie.
The favourite proved just a little too strong in the closing stages, with TimeOnLees going down by only 0.75 lengths. Importantly, she continued to fight all the way to the line and lost no admirers in defeat. Paddypie has now won two from two and appears to be a horse with considerable upside.
Damien Thornton was full of praise after the race, commenting that with a good draw and a little luck, TimeOnLees should be winning very soon.
The mare has clearly matured during her extended break and is showing all the signs of being in for a rewarding preparation. Her two runs this campaign have been full of merit, and connections can look forward to her being highly competitive in the weeks ahead.
