Emerging filly smart buy for Pike

Back of The Bus is proving to be a smart piece of business for Cambridge trainer Tony Pike.

The daughter of Hello Youmzain has improved with each appearance and was successful at Ellerslie in just her third outing.

Out of the Medaglia d’Oro mare Luce Del Sole, Back Of The Bus was purchased by Pike for $25,000 during the National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus and is a half-sister to former stablemate Witz End, a multiple winner and Group performer.

“She has improved from run to run, although to be honest we thought we might see the best of her on a wet track,” stable representative Ryan Stacey said.

“We did have confidence as she had the race day experience and could go to Ruakaka next if she keeps improving.”

Back Of The Bus sat outside the leader at Ellerslie and was a willing partner in the run home for rider Jasmine Fawcett.

“She got a breather mid-race and balanced up nicely around the corner,” she said. “When I asked for an effort, she gave it to me.

“She is very basic, very straight forward and I think Tony (Pike) has done a really good job with her.”

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