Haveyougoneaway Scores First Grade One in Ballerina
Courtesy of EverythingEQ.com
It is every trainers’ dream to compete at the top levels of the sport and win. On Saturday, August 27, trainer Tom Morley sent out Haveyougoneaway in the Gr.1 Ballerina Stakes hoping to hit the board. What he got was so much more. After stalking in fourth, Haveyougoneaway (with John Velazquez up) galloped to a half-length victory over a field of top notch fillies and mares, giving Morley his first career Grade One.
This year’s Gr.1 Ballerina saw 10 fillies and mares load into the gate; among them were Sarah Sis, Sheer Drama, Carina Mia and 2015 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Wavell Avenue.
Breaking from the outer-most post, Haveyougoneaway was second to leave the gate then settled back into fourth. Up front, Paulassilverlining and Carina Mia engaged in a speed duel, running through a blistering :45.54 half-mile and 1:09.06 six furlongs. That’s when Haveyougoneaway began to open up her stride.
Rallying from fourth, the 5-year-old daughter of Congrats closed the gap with a quick turn of foot. By then, Paulassilverlining had given way to By the Moon, who was closing in on Carina Mia. But neither could hold off Haveyougoneaway as she strided past down the center of the track to win the 7-furlong contest in 1:21.63
New York-bred by Andy & Susan Beadnell, Haveyougoneaway is owned by Gary Barber and Sequel Racing. The Gr.1 Ballerina marked the chestnut mare’s 26th career start, 7th start in 2016 and 4th start for trainer Tom Morley. Since transferring to the Morley barn, Haveyougoneaway has gone on to finish second in the Critical Eye Stakes (May 30), won the Dancin Renee Stakes (July 3), and scored her first graded win in the Gr.2 Honorable Miss (July 27).
Photo Courtesy: Adam Coglianese
