Time's Right For Sultana's Tornado

THE Michelle Sultana-trained Tornado Time will look to continue her spectacular middle distance form when she takes her place in the $5,000 to-the-winner fifth grade final (600m) at Ladbrokes Gardens on Friday afternoon.

Victorious at 14 of her 36 career starts, the daughter of My Bro Fabio and Reservoir Time's transition to middle distance racing has been nothing short of sensational, with Sultana guiding the rising three year old to six wins and two seconds from just nine starts at the journey.

At Ladbrokes Gardens this Friday, Tornado Time takes her place in the $5,000 to-the-winner 600 metre decider on the strength of her cracking all-the-way heat success last Friday, defeating fellow finalist Dynamo's Double in a best of meeting 34.60.

The first heat last Friday was taken out by Group 3 Christmas Gift hero Modus Operandi in 34.70 for trainer Rob Tyler, the son of Fernando Bale landing a 19^th career victory, defeating Double Stitched by 2 ¼ lengths at his 600m debut.

And with the two heat winners drawn alongside each other in Friday's finale, Modus Operandi in three, while Tornado Time will exit four, a gripping battle looms, with the rush to the first corner expected to play a big part in the outcome.

Other notable chances in the final include Flowing for Jason Mackay (box five), Dynamo's Double for Bev Wood (box seven), while Double Stitched looks to get all the favours from the red for James Porter.

Placed to perfection by Sultana since switching to the middle distances, Tornado Time has been working the grades to a nicety at the provincials, landing wins at Richmond (618m), Maitland (565m), Gosford (603m) and Dapto (600m), on top of Friday's 600 metre Ladbrokes Gardens success.

Owned by Peter Barnes, Tornado Time is a sister to his 2018 Richmond Riches winner My Mate Fox, winner of 16 races and upwards of $90,000 in prizemoney.

Tornado Time has been installed a slight favourite for Friday's decider, with Sultana looking to continue what's been a terrific 12 months with the collar and lead, boasting 40 wins and a further 45 placings from 136 starters, a top winning strike-rate of 30%.

And while Tornado Time may not be in the same discussion as similarly named champion Tornado Tears, who begins his Group 1 Sandown Cup defence on Thursday night, the June 2016 whelp is going about her business just nicely for her Londonderry trainer.

Honest as the day is long. Just the way you like them!