By Isaac Murphy
Foxy Housewife has taken the first step towards a successful TAB Queensland Summer Racing Carnival, with a progressive first-up win in the Fillies and Mares Open Handicap over 1000m at Corbould Park on Saturday.
Piloted by jockey Michael Hellyer the mare settled fourth on the fence behind leader and favourite Prue’s Angel, before the hoop jumped on an inside run to score by three quarters of a length.
Trainer David Vandyke said the mare struck the front a little earlier than he would have liked, but was impressed the way she picked up when asked for an effort.
"I was a bit nervous when we got there at the 200 but despite a bit of a wobble she got in,” he said.
“I thought they might be a bit nippy for her over the 1000m first up today, but it turned out she was the nippy one.
“Once we get her over the 1200m her ability to sit and sprint is pretty exciting looking forward.”
Vandyke said he was looking helping the five-year-old mare scale greater heights this time round.
“She’s only been with us one prep and was stakes placed then and judging on today and her work at home she’s only going to get better this time round,” he said.
“She came up from Sydney where she had been battling away and has found a new lease on life since arriving here.
“I’ve got my eye on a few races in the Summer Carnival over the 1200m.”