Victorian syndicator First Light Racing has a readymade flag-bearer in Perth with its impressive 3yo filly Spicy Thang.

The flashy chestnut is the first winner for First Light in the west and she’s bred to be a black-type winner for trainer Luke Fernie.  "I think we have a very nice filly on our hands" Fernie predicted after her come-from-behind victory in the Quayclean Hcp (1000m) at Ascot on Wednesday.

“I was really pleased with that win.  She did it the hard way and we will wait see how she recovers before making a decision whether to give her a spell or go one more.”

Spicy Thang (3f Toronado – Single Spice by Not A Single Doubt) was a $120,000 Yarradale Stud-bred graduate from the 2024 Perth Magic Millions and had won a Northam maiden first-up this preparation prior to front-running fourths to Playin'it Sweet (Playing God) at Belmont and Elite Beau (Brazen Beau) at Ascot.

A change in tactics to ride her more conservatively were adopted to great effect by Joey Azzopardi.  “She sat three-deep with cover and got a bit of a bump on straightening,” he reported.  “She was going well enough to put them back in their place and was too strong through to the line."

Her dam Single Spice was a Listed winner of the 2011 Supremacy Stakes (1000m) at Ascot and her best galloper to date has been G2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) winner Ima Single Man (Gingerbread Man).  Her yearling is a colt by Playing God and he has been entered for the 2026 Perth Magic Millions.

Yarradale stallion Shooting To Win was also represented by impressive 3yo filly Aisle Two at Kembla Grange last week.  She won the Masters Of Their Craft Super Plate (1300m) to break her maiden in style for local trainers Rob and Luke Price.

Aisle Two (3f Shooting To Win - Think I'll Keeper by Keeper) bolted in by three lengths aided by a superb Brock Ryan ride.  The lightly-raced filly crossed from a wide alley to sit behind the two leaders and then let down with a brilliant burst after straightening.

“The win wasn’t a surprise because we were confident she would run well,” said Luke Price.  “But I was surprised when they put up $31 today.  I thought she had lost a leg!

“We took her to Wagga for a Showcase 2YO race at their Cup carnival in May and I was confident that day, too.  Unfortunately, I left with my tail between my legs when she was unplaced.  But on today’s performance, I definitely believe she has a nice future.”

Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor) and Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) stand for $5,500 fees (inc GST) at Yarradale Stud.   For all enquiries contact Davy Hanratty (0429 336 904).

SPICY THANG / Photo: Western Racepix