Maree Smith had nothing but gushing praise for outstanding stayer Brad Hill Billy after “the people’s champion” took out the Ladbrokes Red Dog Bonus Stakes (605m) at Dawson Park on Thursday.
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Brad Hill Billy, trained by Smith’s well-respected husband Raymond, came to Dubbo with a big reputation having run in prestigious events such as the Golden Easter Egg and he didn’t disappoint, scoring a dominant eleven-and-a-half length win.
The victory was the three-year-old’s 26th of his career and took his career earnings past the $242,000 mark.
“He’s a beautiful dog and deserves all the accolades,” Maree Smith said.
“He’s lovely to train and we’re very honoured to have him. He’s beautiful.”
Punters were well aware of the talent on the track and backed Brad Hill Billy into a $1.10 favourite, with Cheeky Grant the next best at $8.40 following the scratching of Charmaine Roberts’ Becky Keeping.
The race was always going to come down to the start, with the notoriously slow starting Brad Hill Billy jumping from out wide in box eight.
The general feeling at the track was if the star could get through traffic easily then the result would be a foregone conclusion and that was exactly how it panned out.
Despite being one of the last out, Brad Hill Billy was second when they went past the post for the first time and by the time the race hit the back straight it was all but over.
“He’s usually a bit slow out and does get caught in traffic but once he gets a clear run, he’s got a motor,” Smith said after the win.
Daylight followed Brad Hill Billy past the post before Cheeky Grant ran past for second while Bit Bazzaar ($14.20), who led early, had to settle for third.
Brad Hill Billy’s win followed on from an impressive quinella to trainer Paul Braddon.
Hope’s A Chance was a hugely impressive winner for the Cowra trainer, edging out kennelmate Milko’s Magic in the Sire On Ice Stakes (400m).
“She finished off really well and she’s getting stronger all the time with a bit of age,” Braddon said of his winner.
“That is an extra bonus getting first and second but I thought one of them could win, I wasn’t sure which one but was hopeful one of them would get away.”
The two-and-a-half length win was the ninth from 26 starts for Hope’s A Chance while Milko’s Magic has now finished in the places in 32 of his 41 races.
The win was Braddon's only one for the day while Smith ended the meeting with a double.