The debut triumph of Aliyah’s Will, a three-year-old chestnut filly by Hedge Fund out of Crème De La, on Saturday, March 7, has been met with cautious optimism by her camp.
Partnered by Tajay Suckoo and prepared by trainer Michael Spencer, Aliyah’s Will secured her first victory in a three-year-old maiden contest over five furlongs round. Spencer, reflecting on the performance, noted that while the win was anticipated, he was especially pleased with her demeanour before the start and the determination she showed in the run.
“Aliyah’s Will is a nice filly. Her knees took a long time to close, which is why we took our time to get her ready to race. Aliyah’s Will came out the race in good nick. Now with consultation, we will prepare her with care for her next engagement,” Spencer told this website.
Pressed on future plans, Spencer added: “No decision as to when she will race again has as yet been taken. Certainly, we will look at all our options, then make a choice. One thing for certain is that we will not rush her. We will bide our time with her best interest taken into consideration.”
Facing six rivals, Aliyah’s Will was not the sharpest from the gates, as My Lady Gold (Romario Spencer) and Cataleyna (Phillip Parchment) vied for the early lead. The odds-on favourite Sky Is The Limit (Bebeto Harvey) was tardy at the break but quickly recovered to seize control along the inside rails.
Aliyah’s Will, meanwhile, tracked wide and steadily improved. Turning for home three-wide, Suckoo launched his challenge. Sky Is The Limit remained in front but raced green, shifting from side to side. Seizing the moment, Suckoo angled inward, and Aliyah’s Will responded with her best stride, edging past late to claim the honours.
She scored by three-parts of a length, with Onedegehdehehlinks (Tevin Foster) finishing third. The clock stopped at 1:03.3, with sectional splits of 25.0 x 50.2.
