Aardies Express (NZ) Smashes Clock in Stunning Aussie Debut
22 April 2024
Aardies Express (NZ) (Always B Miki) produced a devastating Australian debut when winning the A$50,000 Group Three Sibelia Stakes (1609m) in a stunning 1.48.9 time.
The NZB Standardbred graduate qualified for the A$200,000 Group One Queen Elizabeth II Mile (1609m) in utterly brilliant style in her first start for her new trainer and driver Jack Trainor.
Aardies Express was secured by owner Mike Tanev for $30,500 when she was offered on standardbred.gavelhouse.com as a yearling.
The brilliant mare was a star of New Zealand racetracks before heading to Trainor’s Sydney barn and her phenomenal performance in the Group Three Sibelia has instantly made her an Australian star.
Trainor admitted he was both thrilled and relieved to see Aardies Express produce such a powerhouse performance.
“I couldn’t have been any more proud of her or happier with how she went,” the trainer-driver said.
“Obviously she came over with quite a big wrap, she had a great record in New Zealand.”
“It is a really relieving win, knowing that she is on-song.”
“Now we have two weeks between now and the Queen Elizabeth.”
After stopping the clock in such a brilliant winning time, Aardies Express is clearly in great shape ahead of the Queen Elizabeth II Mile on May 4.
Trainor will now try to keep his star mare’s fitness ticking over so that she is ready for her big Group One assignment.
“She doesn’t take a lot of work,” Trainor said.
“She might have a couple of hit-outs and maybe one run at home, but now that her fitness is there she won’t take much.”
NZB Standardbred graduates filled four of the first five placings in the Group Three Sibelia Stakes.
Il'lavabubbles (NZ) (Always B Miki) chased Aardies Express gamely in the run home to take second placing.
Manhattan (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) ran on late to take fourth ahead of Braeview Kelly (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) who ran fifth.
All of which have qualified for the A$200,000 Group One Queen Elizabeth II Mile with their top-four finishes.