BRAVE CAROL WINS FIRST UP

Brave Carol Halts Magnardo’s Winning Streak in Impressive First-Up Victory

Brave Carol produced a terrific first-up performance to end Magnardo’s bid for a ninth consecutive victory, taking out the 1100-metre contest on her home track on the Ballarat Synthetic.

Ridden confidently by Will Gordon, the four-year-old daughter of Brave Smash proved too strong for her rivals, surging over the final 50 metres to score convincingly despite shouldering the top weight of 61kg.

Lightly raced with just 11 career starts, the success marked the second win of her career and suggested there is still plenty more to come this preparation.

Jumping cleanly from the gates, Brave Carol settled comfortably in midfield, around five lengths off the pace and tracking the heavily fancied Magnardo throughout the running. Travelling strongly into the home turn, Gordon eased her into the clear before asking for her effort. The mare responded in style, sweeping around the favourite and quickly making up ground.

Drawing alongside with 100 metres to run, Brave Carol dug deep in the closing stages and asserted herself late, pulling clear to score by a length at the post.

It was a thoroughly deserved victory and an excellent way to launch her latest campaign. The result also provided another rewarding success for her terrific group of owners, with plenty to look forward to as the preparation unfolds.