Belinda Hodder has been given a great opportunity to cement her new association with Port Macquarie trainer Marc Quinn as his stable apprentice at Muswellbrook on Monday.
With Hodder in mind, Quinn, the son of the late Pat Quinn, selected the an apprentices only BM 65 Hcp (1280m) as a suitable race for his mare for Lionhearted Girl some time back.
Everything has fallen into place, particularly striking a wet track.
Lionhearted Girl has a penchant for slow and heavy tracks, three of her four wins from 17 starts all on rain effected ground.
“I picked this race for the mare some time back, especially when I realised it was for apprentices only and would suit Belinda (Hodder),” Quinn said. “Lionhearted Girl is one of those horses that just loves soft tracks.
“And she's a mare that runs well for kids, particularly girls.”
Hodder transferred from Ross Stitt at Taree to Quinn three months back to be closer to her boyfriend.
“She's a good hard worker who listens and rides well,” Quinn added.
“Given the right opportunities she won't let anyone down.”
Lionhearted Girl also has a strong link to Pat Quinn, who tragically died of a heart attack following a freak accident at Canterbury in 2009.
“Dad bought the mare Lion's Rose at the Magic Million sales. She won a couple of races and some of the owners brought her back later to breed from,” Marc Quinn recalled.
“Lionhearted Girl is her first foal. She missed the following year then was pensioned off after foaling Lionhearted Boy, now a three-year-old because she always had traumas foaling.”
Lionhearted Girl resumed from a 113-day spell with an encouraging 2.1 lengths fourth to Island Dane over 1200m at Port Macquarie on November 4.
“She's been in good form and pulled up in good order after Port,” Quinn added. “Her work since then has been terrific.
“She's not an overly big mare but what she lacks in size she makes up for in toughness and durability. She tries 110 percent.
“Her ability to handle soft tracks gives her a big advantage given the right race and conditions.”
