Elite Flight soars to second Bracelet victory

Talented Albany mare Elite Flight stormed home to claim a famous second victory in the Great Southern Weekender Bracelet (1603m) for young trainer Liam O’Loughlin and veteran jockey Danny Miller at Percy Spencer Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

The six-year-old jumped one of the outside chances in the race at $62.40 on the tote but was given a beautiful ride by Miller, settling in the back half of the field and then producing a powerful finish to win the 2017 edition of the fillies and mares feature.

Elite Flight was urged to the line by Miller in the final 200m as she quickly raced past Canna Lily, Black Lily and Qingdao to win by one length on the line.

Qingdao ($5.80 chance) ran on bravely to grab second, with fast-finishing duo Senate Bianca ($6.40) and Cosmah Domination ($7.80) filling third and fourth, while $3.80 favourite Hey Listen had no luck in the home straight to finish eighth.

It was a special victory for the 24-year-old O’Loughlin, the first time his cherished mare has won in his name.

“This was the main aim all the way through,” he said.

“People were saying ‘sack her’ but I kept persisting with her and she showed in her track work she was ready to go.

“I elected to go with Danny, a senior rider, to help get her out of the gates.

“She loves the trip and getting back off a hot pace and to do what she’s done, win two Bracelets, she’s done a really good job.”

The Flying Spur mare has now won the race twice in her 40 starts after taking out the same race in 2015 while listed with trainer Steve Wolfe, where O’Loughlin was working at the time.

Last season Elite Flight ran home well for Miller to finish second behind Crystal Gardens in the 2015 Golden Bracelet (1600m).

“Danny was confident going into the race,” O’Loughlin said.

“It was a bloody good ride, good riders don’t lose their brilliance.”

Elite Flight has had 13 starts for O’Loughlin now and won four of 40 career runs.

“I reckon she can get further now she is older, maybe get 1800m or 2000m easier,” he said.

“My wife, Katie has done a lot of work with her since July and big thanks to Stephen Sheehy and Mum and Dad for their support.”