“Okay, let’s do this quickly,” trainer Jamie Edwards called across the paddock as the cameraman prepared to film a segment on the Emsley Lodge weekly video.
Lying on the ground beside the gate as was a black muzzle which was an ominous sign about the character of promising mare Racey Casey who Jamie was holding as the video camera was pointed at him from outside the enclosure.
The muzzle is a precautionary measure as the four-year-old mare has a bag of tricks which can catch you unawares.
The segment for upcoming runners is relatively brief to minimise any danger.
Despite her quirks, the stable early on identified the daughter of Toronado and Maie Casey as potentially city class.
In her first 10 starts she went to town three times and twice was beaten only a couple of lengths, but it was not until Friday that she was able to win her maiden.
Backing up after a fast finishing fourth at Kilmore where she had limited luck, Racey Casey was $3.70 second favourite at Terang and after settling midfield of the 14 runners unwound a strong finish down the middle of the track to land Alta Genetics 4YO+ Maiden Plate (1406m).
“The form guide says she’s had 10 starts and she’s just won a Terang maiden, but we’ve always liked her as a midweek city grade horse,” assistant trainer James Edwards said.
“She has been knocking on the door without a lot of luck, but Jack (Hill) gave her a good ride today and she won well.
Jack said Racey Casey began better than she did at Kilmore and having his first ride on the mare was happy not to rush her and keep in a good rhythm.
“She improved on the corner and when she got clear air she started to pick up and go through her gears really well,” Jack said.
Racey Casey took the lead 150 metres from home and was strong through the line scoring by nearly a length from Buttercup ($3.70) and Immortal Justice ($31).
“Credit must go to the staff at home who do a really good job with her as she can be hard work,” James said.
“Even in the stalls she wears a muzzle and I’m a bit surprised that she hasn’t actually hurt someone.
“The owners have been particularly patient with her and she should take plenty of confidence from today’s win and keep rewarding them from now on.”
Among the options for Racey Casey is the Good Friday Country Trainers series in March and April with races over variety of distances from 1200m to 1600m.