Al Maher filly on Group 1 Oaks trail

FEBRUARY 13, 2010: Stakes winning Al Maher filly Speedy Natalie established that future black-type success is also in the pipeline by winning a quality 3-year-old contest staged at Moonee Valley on the William Reid Stakes program.

A brilliant debut winner of the Listed SAJC Dequetteville Stakes (1100m) in her juvenile season, Speedy Natalie was lining-up for her second outing since the beginning of the year in the 1500-metre contest. After trailing the entire field throughout the early stages, the Peter Moody-trained galloper managed to circle her rivals at a critical stage of the contest before leading into the straight and holding off her opposition for a thoroughly determined win.

Speedy Natalie is now the winner of two significant metropolitan races from just five starts, three of which have been in notable stakes company. Moody confirmed that the daughter of Al Maher is heading towards the SAJC Australasian Oaks (G1) during her current campaign, while she also holds nominations for both the VRC Australian Guineas (G1) and AJC Doncaster Handicap (G1).

Speedy Natalie fetched $70,000 when bought by Bill Mitchell out of Yarraman Park’s 2008 Magic Millions National Select Yearling Sale consignment. In winning the quality Moonee Valley event, she not only took her earnings well beyond her purchase price but also became 3-year-old winner number 31 for Al Maher in season 2009/10.