She might have been easy in the market, but exciting Winning Rupert filly Hi Hi Hi gave nothing else a chance when leading all the way for a thoroughly impressive debut victory at Canterbury on Friday evening.
Trained by Gary Portelli and ridden by Kathy O’Hara, Hi Hi Hi was placed in two recent trials and looked a natural runner when spearing straight to the front from an outside gate.
She travelled smoothly in the lead and skipped away to win the 1200m maiden by three and a half lengths with ears pricked.
“She’s a lovely filly,” said O’Hara, who also rode Hi Hi Hi in her previous trials.
“Gary has always had a big opinion of her, although I think she’ll be a better three year-old than two year-old.
“She was just miles too good for them tonight.”
Bred by Victorian based Chesapeake Thoroughbreds, Hi Hi Hi was bought for $145,000 from the Princess Park draft at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale by Hall of Fame Bloodstock and is the first winner for Cottesmor, a placed half-sister by Duporth to Group II winner Lonhspresso.
Sadly, Cottesmor died last year and Hi Hi Hi was her second and final living foal.
Hi Hi Hi is the second winner for Newgate Farm’s promising young Written Tycoon stallion Winning Rupert, who has 17 entries for Magic Millions, click to see them.
