Stradbroke Handicap plans for Beethog were given a boost when the classy mare scored a gutsy all the win in the listed Silk Stocking Handicap (1200m) at the Gold Coast this afternoon.

Prepared at the track by Les Kelly, Beethog was sent across the field from a wide barrier early by Joe Bowditch and from there they wouldn’t be headed – beating out fellow Magic Millions graduate Casholet in a driving finish.

An emotional Kelly said after the race that Beethog had always shown connections loads of ability and she would be tested at racing’s elite level in the coming weeks.

“From there (the outside draw) we had to go forward,” he said. “She’s just so small – but she’s pretty good.”

“She’s very hard to handle and I think that is why Greg (Ryan, senior part owner) gave her to me,” Kelly added with a chuckle.

“It’s just great to win this race here on our home track – especially year to year.”

Kelly has trained a number of classy gallopers including Black Ink and Devil and he has a very good opinion of Beethog as well.

“I’ve had some real good horses and this is a good filly as well.”

“She’s going to the Stradbroke,” he summed up. “She had a foot injury after she won the Guineas and she’s only had four starts since then.”

Beethog, now a multiple stakes winner, is doing a great job for her connections.

On this card last year the four-year-old daughter of Shovhog won the Gold Coast Guineas for comeback jockey Justin Stanley – who ironically won the previous race at Ipswich just minutes earlier.

Beethog’s impressive record reads out at four wins and four minor placings from just 13 starts and earnings of $235,650 – not bad considering the Raheen Stud offering could have been yours for just $10,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

One of six winners, from six to race, for the unraced Alquoz mare Gypsy Ahlee, Beethog is a half sister to the Sydney stakes performed five time winner Gypsy Mai.

The race’s third placegetter Swiss Rose, already a proven stakes winner, is catalogued for June’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Winner: Beethog (Shovhog-Gypsy Ahlee)
Race: GCTC Silk Stocking Handicap LR (1200m)
Passed for: $8,000
Sale: 2008 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale
Vendor: Raheen Stud (As Agent)
Reserve: $10,000
Earnings: $235,650
Owner(s): Mr GR Ryan, Mr GF Lanham, Mrs BV Lanham & Mrs LA Ryan
Trainer: Les Kelly (Gold Coast)

PICS – Dan Costello.