Just one race was run at Ipswich before the meeting was called off, but that was enough for celebrations to begin for the connections of the promising Vancouver filly Canadian Dancer.
Following seconds at the Sunshine Coast and Eagle Farm at her first two starts, Canadian Dancer opened her winning account over 1350m at Ipswich on Wednesday in the manner of a filly with plenty more to offer.
Continuing a good run for Steven O'Dea and Matthew Hoysted, owners Proven Thoroughbreds and the Coolmore stallion Vancouver, Canadian Dancer defeated the Bel Esprit filly Sounds Divine by two lengths with the Sebring gelding Majestics Request a further one and three-quarters back in third.
“She’s a filly that has always had above average ability and has really grown up this preparation,” Hoysted said.
“A lot of credit to the team. Baylee Nothdurft has done a lot of work on this filly to get her to relax.
“She is a typical Vancouver that improves with a bit of time. She has all the makings of a promising stayer. Once she steps up in grade and the more experience she has the more she will improve.”
Canadian Dancer was a $50,000 purchase by Proven Thoroughbreds / Steve O'Dea Racing from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
A lovely cut of a filly, Canadian Dancer was bred by Phoenix Thoroughbreds out of the imported Hard Spun (USA) mare Kicker (USA) a half-sister to Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes winner Startac (Theatrical).
A daughter of the stakes-winning Mr Prospector mare Tenga, Kicker (USA), Kicker (USA) has a yearling colt by Invader.
Golden Slipper winner Vancouver has had a profitable week. The Coolmore stallion sired last Saturday’s impressive Group II Expressway Stakes winner Overpass.