Mai Aloha sent Williams Racing further ahead at the top of the 2024-25 WA Trainers’ table after she easily defeated an all-age maiden field at York on Thursday.
Grant & Alana Williams logged their 34th win since August 1 when the 3yo daughter of Long Leaf led from go-to-whoa in the Darry’s Plumbing Hcp (1200m). A couple of clips from Willie Pike kept her mind on the job while comfortably holding out Wineaclocksumwhere (Sessions) and Rommel’s Goddess (Rommel).
The trouble-free win was a complete turnaround from a disorderly debut at Belmont in June when Mai Aloha lost the Amelia Park Plate (1000m) on protest to Overdrive (Playing God). Stewards reported she lay outwards considerably in the straight and they also rubbed salt into the wounds with a suspension for her racing manners.
Mai Aloha resumed with a close second to Peters Investments 4yo First Beach (Nicconi) at Bunbury last month and went one better as a $1.20 favourite at her third start on Thursday. “She’s a filly full of tricks but was on her A game to bag that maiden,” Grant Williams noted. “There’s plenty of improvement to come with so much potential on her side.”
Mai Aloha is the second winner for Rangeview Stud stallion Long Leaf (Fastnet Rock) following Girls Day Out at Northam last month. She cost $145,000 as a yearling and Rangeview owners Robbie and Jody Gray retained a share in a Williams Racing syndicate that includes Chis Chalwell, Elio Galante and Rod Russell.
Her dam Real Hi (Real Jester) has now foaled five winners led by So Secret colt Wacked Out (LR Perth Stakes). Her latest is a colt by Long Leaf born on September 1.
There are six black-type winners under second-dam Dance Hi (Key Dancer) who had won the G2 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) in 1995 before retiring to stud. It’s a cherished pedigree nurtured by the Gray family and fronted by G1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) winners Barakey (Key Business) and Magnifisio (Magnus).
Long Leaf stands for a $5,500 (inc GST) service fee at Rangeview Stud. Robbie Gray can be contacted for bookings or more information on 0409 243 461.