Star Witness Filly Wins MM Tasmania 2YO Classic

In a thrilling finish to the $50,000 Magic Millions Tasmanian 2YO Classic (1200m) at Launceston on Wednesday night, first starter Heaven’s Delight edged out the favourite Derasa to win.

A daughter of in form sire Star Witness, Heaven’s Delight, who had trialled brilliantly leading into the race, showed speed throughout and led her rivals into the straight.

Derasa, narrowly beaten in the recent Elwick Stakes, sat second throughout and looked the winner when she ranged up in the straight.

But showing great fighting capabilities at her first start, Heaven’s Delight was able to fight back on the fence and win.

Trainer Gary White was not surprisingly delighted with the win.

“That was a big effort,” White said. “From the outside barrier at her first start.”

Winning rider Daniel Moor told owners David and Louise Adams the filly had a bright future.

“She’s got a good deal of ability,” Moor said. “She was very strong to the line and to see a two-year-old fight back after being headed, that was a great sign.”

Both Moor and White thought their charge had been narrowly beaten in the photo finish.

Heaven’s Delight was presented at last year’s sale by Armidale Stud but was passed in after failing to reach her $50,000 reserve.

The yearling full brother to Heaven’s Delight by Star Witness is Lot 95 and will be presented by the Armidale team this afternoon

Both Heaven’s Delight and her sale bound full brother are from the smart Stratum mare Heaven’s Choice – a daughter of Prayer Time, a winning half-sister to Group I VRC Victoria Derby winner Polanski.