More distance the next challenge for Hara’s Milly

By Josh Spasaro

Hara’s Milly has won her past three consecutive starts for Hayley Wooler, but the young trainer isn’t thinking too far ahead going into the second Townsville Futurity heat on Tuesday night.

The Fernando Bale and Hara’s Betty chaser, who turns three on October 15, has saluted over 380 metres in those three straight races.

This week’s assignment, worth $4,880, will be over 498 metres, but she will enjoy wearing the red rug from box one.

“I’m happy with the box that she’s drawn. She’s just got to show her early speed and she’ll put herself in the race,” the 24-year-old conditioner said.

“No (she hasn’t looked like getting beaten in her past three starts), but it’s a different kettle of fish over the sprint compared to starting over 498 metres.”

Sent up by consistent Park Ridge-based trainer Jemma Daley, Hara’s Milly enjoyed almost instant success in Townsville, with just five starts at the North Queensland venue.

“It’s really just about keeping her happy,” Wooler said.

“Jemma’s a great mentor to me. Over the years, our working relationship has gotten stronger.

“She sends me dogs who are out-graded down there and they’re still fifth grade up here, so they can go through the grades up here.

“And, vice versa. If I’ve got a dog who I think could mix it down there, I ask her if she’s got a kennel space and she has a go with them.”

Hara’s Milly has 15 wins from 45 starts, while her now-retired litter sister Hara’s Lilly also showed potential for Wooler, saluting on five occasions. 

“They’ve got wonderful natures and they’re absolute professionals at the track. They’re so switched on and there’s no fuss with them,” she said.

“It’s all business.”

Kennelmate of Hara’s Milly, Cheap Reality, will jump outside her from box two in the second Townsville Futurity heat.

The two-year-old bitch by Hard Style Rico and out of Miss Caitlyn has seven wins at the track, including a comfortable victory over 498 metres last Tuesday night.

“I thought she’d go all right last week. It was just whether she was going to put herself in the race early and she did,” Wooler said.

“She has a decent finish on her; she just has to get through the catching pen early.”

Wooler also believes Hara’s Ghost can run well from box six in a competitive Townsville Derby heat on Tuesday night.

That race includes Wildcard winner Takeover Target, who ran fourth in the Townsville Cup.

“Ghost has the potential to do well. It’s just whether he puts the right foot forward,” she said.

“He always seems to find himself in trouble.”