Omen proves right for Wilcock filly

TRAINER John Wilcock knew the omens were perfect in the minutes before Dehere I Am broke through for her first win at the Gold Coast today.
Five minutes before Dehere I Am lined up in the Neville Stewart Maiden Hcp (1200m), Wilcock watched a horse called Armed For Action win a race at Morphettville.
Wilcock, of course, trained a very good galloper by the same name about 15 years ago.
Wilcock’s Armed For Action won nine races, including the 1998 Group Three Shannon Hcp at Rosehill, beating top performers Dodge and Champagne.
“He was a terrific horse and when I saw someone had pinched the name and he’d just won a race in Adelaide, I knew it was probably a good omen,’’ said Wilcock.
Wilcock was relieved to finally get Dehere I Am into today’s race after recent setbacks.
He had hoped to have her line up in the $100,000 Magic Millions Plate at the Gold Coast on January 14 but she was balloted out. He then targeted a Maiden race in Brisbane at the end of January but it was washed out.
 “I’ve just had to make a few adjustments because of those hiccups,’’ he said. “She didn’t have the early speed today but she finished the race off very well.
“I think she’s going to develop into a decent filly.’’
Ridden today by Cyril Small, Dehere I Am ($8) came from fifth on the turn to down Windsplitter ($2.20 fav) by a neck with a head to Winning Recipe ($4 into $2.70).
Story: Neil Archer
Photo: Trackside Photography Pty Ltd