Goulburn based trainer Haylee Day has only taken Maritime Express to the races four times since a stable switch but the young trainer’s slow and steady approach is returning early dividends.
The four-year-old ($5 TAB Fixed Odds) skirmishes in a solid country tagged race on his home track on Thursday in the Goulpro Country Boosted Class One Handicap over 1200m.
A win and two runner-up results from four well-spaced outings since November is rock solid form and despite a narrow loss as favourite at Gundagai last start, Day believes the performance has merit to marry into Thursday’s race.
“Absolutely, the horse sat three and four wide with no cover over 1400m with only being beaten half a length”, Day reflected.
“It was a brave and solid effort from Maritime, hard not to be pleased with him on that occasion.”
The young trainer indicated he’s come through the run well.
“Yes, he’s had a little freshen up and hopefully the track dry’s up a little to play in his favour, but it’ll be good to see him over 1200m again.”
Day also found it easy to pinpoint his best asset to date.
“At this point it would be his great attitude. Anything I’ve thrown at him, he just shows up.”
A Goulburn girl born and bred, Day says she’s happy nurturing a small team of horses out of the tablelands precinct.
“I just have the three at the present with an exciting two-year-old Hellbent filly to join the team in a couple of weeks. That might be an opportunity to introduce a few new owners.”
“Love to expand in the future but currently enjoying having a small team and taking things one step at a time!”
Maritime Express is currently the main breadwinner in a fledgling solo career for Haylee that has gathered in seven race day runners for a return of one winner and three second placed cheques.
Day also owns Maritime Express so shouldn’t have any issues with consensus on riding tactics for Thursday’s pilot Nick Heywood,
“Nick has started to form a partnership with him and rides him well, just places him where he is comfortable and doesn’t panic. He hasn’t drawn well since his first start, so it would be good to see him have some luck,” Day said.
Day says she has built her training knowledge via time in the big smoke and tutelage from a few trainers who know a bit about thoroughbreds!
“I spent a little under ten years living in Sydney and started out under the late Guy Walter. After Guy’s passing, I spent a small stint with Kerry Parker before ending up with Peter and Paul Snowden in Randwick, travelling with the team throughout the racing carnivals.”
The tablelands welcomed last weekend’s summer rain and with warm weather forecast for Wednesday the track should be getting back into the soft range come race day on Thursday.
Punter’s looking for more ‘tablelands intel’ can also reflect on the Goulburn premiership at the exact halfway point of the season. Keagan Latham has been enjoying the country air in the jockey ranks ahead of Pierre Boudvillain whilst Danny Williams has edged past Matt Dale and Pat Murphy in the trainers’ tally.
Goulburn’s track is currently rated a Soft 7 with Thursday’s opening race set to go at 1.50pm.
Goulburn Soldiers Club & Goulburn Australia are proud supporters of Goulburn & District Racing Club
PHOTO: Bradley Photos. Maritime Express winning his maiden in November
