On Track - Autumn 2021

15 “That impressed me. Not many horses can run that 10.13 early in a race and then maintain a gallop at the end of a race. “A lot of horses that would run those sectionals would drop off at the end. “It shows how gritty and determined she is.” With starting prices of $31 and $19 respectively at her past two starts, Lady Solly hasn’t been the punter’s pal, but coming off a dominant 4 length win here in January, those disappointed punters wouldn’t have been alone in leaving her out of their quaddie. “I’m a no-name trainer, and Dean’s not a high-profile jockey. “I think if it were ridden by a top-liner and trained by one of the top trainers, she would’ve been single figures.” Stepping up from benchmark 58 grade to benchmark 84 grade is a sizeable jump by anyone’s standards, but that is precisely what Adam Chambers has been able to achieve with Lady Solly in only three runs this preparation. Dean Holland, who has ridden Lady Solly to victory in her past two starts, summed up her latest success to perfection out of the gates, and Chambers had few reasons to be concerned in the run. “She was drawn wide, and there was a lot of speed inside us, so we were hoping to get across. “But once we sat outside the leader, I became very confident.” The time of 55.57 was well short of Meteorite’s course/ season record, but with Chambers indicating she would be saved for the $125,000 final here on March 19, the hunt for Valley riches is still well and truly alive. “She’s an on-speed runner, she’s very quick, and she’s got good gate speed. “She makes her own luck, and the tight corners just suit her. She can kick off those bends and keep running.” With a hat-trick of successes in sight, all eyes will be on the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Final, and with an imposing record starting to build, Lady Solly is sure to be kept safe by punters and bookmakers this time around. Lady Solly wins heat 13 of the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge at The Valley on Friday 12 February 2021.