Trainer Gerald Ryan will head to the Brisbane Winter Carnival with Angel Of Mercy after the filly scored a comfortable win in the Listed $100,000 Sharp James H B Carr Stakes (1400m) at Randwick today.

Angel Of Mercy

Angel Of Mercy will head to Brisbane for the Winter Carnival - photo (c) Steve Hart

Ryan believes Angel Of Mercy will handle distances up to 2000m and maybe even 2400m, tempting him to test the Hussonet filly in the Group 1 $400,000 Treasury Casino Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 2.

“Getting back to 1400m on a big track was what she wanted. I can’t wait to get this filly up to a mile. I reckon she’s screaming out for it and her pedigree says it. She’s a nice filly and she still has upside to her this time around,” Ryan said.

“She’s been in work a long time, but we’ve been taking our time with her and spacing her runs.  I won’t be surprised if she ends up in Queensland.”

“I always thought she would get up to a mile and a quarter. She’s a three year old filly, she’s entered in the Oaks. If I can find a proper program heading towards it, give her one go as a three year old and  then you will know if she can stay or you can freshen her up for the Winter Stakes.”

Craig Williams was at his best on Angel Of Mercy and had the filly travelling just behind the leading bunch coming to the home turn and had her ready to pounce at the top of the rise.

Nash Rawiller on favourite Hallowell Belle attacked Bound To Blush for the lead at the 300m but immediately was under pressure and Williams was able to push Angel Of Mercy past the two leaders.

Angel Of Mercy ($7) went on to score by a neck over Bound to Plush ($6.50) with one and a quarter lengths to Hallowell Belle ($2.50 fav) who held on for third.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.