Magic Millions principal Gerry Harvey unearthed another classy three year old in the making when Fifth Avenue Lady ($3.50-$5.50) won the Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Handicap at Sandown this afternoon.

By leading sire Encosta de Lago, the grand daughter of Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Lady Jakeo stamped herself as a filly on the up by winning easily with 2¾ lengths to spare over second placed Miss Hijinx ($15-$17). Third was Try This ($3.00-$3.70-$3.30F).

Trained by Danny O'Brien at Flemington, Fifth Avenue Lady is one of only a few horses sent to him by Harvey. 

Previously O'Brien had success at Flemington with World Joy while Now The World was a bit of a flop, finishing third Ballarat before being sacked.

"Gerry has only sent us three horses", said O'Brien's Assistant Trainer Gino Mata.

"We've had city wins with two of them."

Now The World was bred in the purple being by leading stallion Flying Spur from Group 2 winner Light Up The World, while World Joy was by Anabaa from Christmas Spirit, the dam of Light Up The World and grand dam of Group 1 winners Bentley Biscuit and Thorn Park.

"You can be guaranteed that if Gerry Harvey sends you a horse its really well bred", said Mata.

The stable have now lifted their objectives for Fifth Avenue Lady again after her easy graduation from country class to the city.

"Because she's won so impressively today at a Saturday meeting, Danny might look for a Listed race for her", Mata suggested.

"On the ratings alone she's rated better than the rest of them."

"There was only a couple there that deserved better weights than her and she showed today that she's really up to city Saturday class."

© Cyberhorse 2024 Bill Saunders Published 26/04/08