The punters wanted Princess Hallowell and were prepared to support her as if there was no tomorrow and the filly didn’t let them down scoring by one and three quarter lengths in the Frank and Rona Plate (1000m).
Having only her third start she had been an imposing winner at her last start after a close second behind Busimiss on December 15.
Brad Parnham on Lenience was determined to keep the favourite out and did so until they straightened for home when Paul Harvey asked his Oratorio filly for an effort, showing no leniency to the pacemaker.
Wivenhoe Express (Shaun O’Donnell) was a distant third.
As usual Harvey made it look easy and trainer Trevor Andrews and owner Craig Thompson have a serious contender in the $250,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic in a fortnight’s time.
He named Petrol Power and Flying Zoe as dangers to Princess Hallowell on February 16.
Andrews said he had to keep the work up to this filly as she was a “good doer” when it came to eating.
YOU NEVER ‘NOSE’ IN RACING: If Harvey won plaudits in the first race he had his share of critics in the second race over 1100m.
Riding the unbeaten Portonian the race commenced dramatically with the favourite going down on his nose at barrier rise and then bumping with Hot Target.
Harvey then hunted Portonian up immediately rather than stay near the rear in the small field of six.
Jason Whiting on Dueton sat patiently behind the favourite and pacemaker Passion Cantata and claimed both of them in the home straight.
The win gave Dueton his third win in 12 starts for trainer Eric Wake and continued the winning streak of horses raced by owners Lex and Shirley Piper.
Profound Effect (Shaun O’Donnell) came home well to claim second ahead of the struggling Portonian.
Harvey was unwell after the second race and forfeited all other rides on the day.
The old adage of moving from rooster to feather duster came in the space of two races.