Talented youngster Bit Lippy deservedly broke through for the first victory of his fledgling career at New Plymouth yesterday with a no nonsense performance.
The Matamata juvenile had placed in each of his previous three starts, all in black type company, and he capped that form with success in yesterday'sgroup three Phoenix Park 2YO Classic (1200m).
"He didn't jump out so well in his last couple, but he got home well at Wellington after it took some time for him to get out and the leader was gone," Matamata trainer Wayne Hillis said.
Bit Lippy cleared the gates smartly yesterday for rider Cameron Lammas to take a handy sit one off the fence before improving three wide across the top.
They were in front soon after straightening and had no trouble keeping the challenge of Platinum Mam'selle at bay in the closing 200m.
Handsome Rebel made late ground to cut Wisdom Patch out of third money.
"He's learning all the time and I couldn't be happier with him," Hillis said.
He can now look forward to Group One opportunities for Bit Lippy with the Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 10 and the Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni three weeks later attractive options.
