It took patience and hard work to get well bred filly Pony Express to the races but it all paid off at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart on Sunday.

Pony Express (3f West Quest – My Draw by Ashkalani) is based at Seven Mile Beach and she scored an impressive debut win in the E P Wilson Maiden (1100m) with top rider Brendon McCoull in the saddle.

The Mark Ganderton trained filly made light of a wide barrier to slot into third spot.  When asked to extend turning for home, she quickly hauled in the leaders for a comfortable victory over Suspicious GeeGee (Umatilla) with Legal Lord (Mr. Innocent).

Pony Express had a chequered path before finally making it to the races.  “The filly had trialled five times before she was ready to go to the races,” Ganderton revealed.  “She’s still a bit green but will improve again when we add blinkers.”

Ganderton trains her older sister Outlaw Oakley and she won at Devonport and Hobart last season.  “The family can run a bit but they aren’t two year-olds,” he added.  “She will go out after another run and that will help us work out what her level will be next time in.”

Pony Express didn’t reach a $5,000 reserve when offered by Guthrie Performance Horses at the 2009 Tasmanian Magic Millions yearling sale.  Her dam My Draw is a half-sister to the Flemington winners Don’t Babble (Don’t Say Halo) and Mar’s Queen (Luskin Star).  

My Draw has a 2yo filly by West Quest and a filly foal by Kooringal Stud sire Marwina.  She was covered by Kooringal resident Enemy Of Average last year.

West Quest has been Tasmania’s Champion sire for the last five years and he’s well on the way to another title in 2010-11.  The Grenville Stud stallion has progeny earnings of $892,108 so far this season.  Lady Lynette’s sire Ladoni is next best on $761, 642.