Back in winners circle

By John Dunne (HRV)

LADIES In Red returned to the winner’s circle when she made it back to back wins in the $30,000 Angelique Club Pace at Melton last Saturday night.

Having only her second race day appearance in almost 12 months, Ladies In Red atoned for her first up defeat by Rakero Rebel a fortnight ago and rightfully led her rivals back to the winner’s stall for the 23rd time in 29 starts.

Sent out a $1.35 favorite, Ladies In Red settled one out one back before David Moran made a mid-race move to sit parked outside her stable mate Tough Tilly and that pair appeared set to fight out the race.

Ladies In Red forged clear in the home straight and held off the fast finishing Treachery to score by a neck in a mile rate of 1:54.9.

Moran said he wasn’t disappointed by Ladies In Red’s runner up effort when resuming.

“Her run last week was terrific, it was a long time to have out and come back in this grade against some of these mares,” Moran said.

Moran said he expects the five-year-old to be even in finer fettle for this week’s Group 1 Benstud Standardbreds Queen Of The Pacific.

“And tonight will make her even sharper and better again when she is stepping up in trip next week to the 2760 metres,” he said.

The win completed a double for Moran who partnered Curly James to a minor upset earlier in the night in the Gammalite Free For All.