It was a debut appearance in the winner’s circle for PAPER DRAGON after Tahlia Hope and the three-year-old daughter of Charm Spirit combined to take out the Ritchie Bros. Feb 23-24 2022 Auction Maiden Plate at start eight for the stable.
Coming off a strong showing at Hamilton last start, finishing two lengths second behind a very smart Vermentino from the Mahar and Eustance stable.
All roads then led to Geelong and she didn’t disappoint, Jumping well and leading from the outset PAPER DRAGON was able to find another gear in the straight to hold off fast-finishing closers to win in the famous Swettenham Stud colours.
“I’m really happy with that performace” said Hope.
“She left the barriers really well, ended up leading and got into a really nice rythem before quickening when I asked her” said Hope
“She pinned the barriers, she had all the advantage in the world”.
“She gave an good kick on the turn coming into the straight and the horse chasing peaked on their run around the 100 but she kicked away. It is now the right time of the year for this filly with some good 1000 metre fillies races at The Valley or a 1100 metre race at Caufield in her reach.
“Her behaviour was really good, she got a little hot before the race but then she settled nicely and was well behaved in the gates.
PAPER DRAGON looks like a genuine filly that can go on with it now. The stable and connections are excited to see where she can go from here