WODONGA trainer David O’Prey is predicting a bright future for Calypso Queen after she smashed the class record at Wangaratta on Saturday.
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Ridden by James Winks, the four-year-old mare overcame a tardy start to demolish her rivals and score her first career win in the $15,000 3YO & Up Maiden (1000m).
O’Prey has little doubt there are much bigger wins in store for the daughter of Lonhro.
“It was an impressive win,” he said.
“We whacked the blinkers on for the first time and they seemed to have done the trick.
“She smashed the class record after the leaders set a hot tempo.
“James got off her and gave her a big rap and said she had a massive turn of foot when he let her rip.
“After being beaten for speed early he said the win was never in doubt.”
Calypso Queen was formerly trained by Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra before joining the O’Prey camp earlier this year.
She had five starts for O’Prey for three minor placings before heading for a spell.
Resuming from a 16-week break, Saturday’s victory was her first in 10 previous starts.
“She has always shown her fair share of ability,” he said.
“It has probably been a bit frustrating that she hadn’t won previously because she was trained down in Melbourne for a while.
“Before Saturday, she always went forward in her races and just whacked away at the finish.
“But maybe we have found out the best way to ride her is to let her settle back early and then finish the race off.
“She is probably best suited to sprint trips as well and last preparation we were running her over 1400 metres.”
Calypso Queen is raced by a syndicate including local publicans Graham Bosse, Mal Hutchinson and Brendon Cooper.
Long-time stable supporters Reg Ryan and former Albury Tigers president Brian Curphey are also among the owners.