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Trainer Ray Green and driver Andre Poutama discuss Friday night’s encouraging debut by Hilary Barry.

Everyone stoked with Hilary Barry’s debut - and Hilary calls her amazing

Hilary Barry didn’t win on Friday night but her fine debut fifth thrilled her trainer and her Seven Sharp namesake.

And the filly remains on target for the March 8 Young Guns Fillies’ Final at Alexandra Park.

Television presenter Hilary Barry wasn’t able to watch the race live - she was on a flight at the time - but she has seen a replay.

“The human Hilary Barry can’t fast enough to save her life but the equine version is amazing,” she says.

Hilary Barry strides out during Friday night’s race at Alexandra Park.Hilary Barry strides out during Friday night’s race at Alexandra Park.“I thought she did brilliantly, she was right up there with the leaders and showed tonnes of potential (in my humble opinion).”

Snookered four back on the markers early from her inside second row draw, driver Andre Poutama manoeuvred the filly to three back on the outer for the last lap.

Trainer Ray Green says he started getting a bit excited 150 metres from home when it looked like she might run in the money.

“She rushed into it but just flattened out the last 50 metres.

“I was quite happy with her. She went great.

“With that run under her belt and a better draw she won’t be far away in the final.

“If she gets a two hole trip she’ll be in the money for sure.’’

Poutama described the run as very encouraging.

Hilary Barry, arrowed, runs right into contention behind the leaders.Hilary Barry, arrowed, runs right into contention behind the leaders.“She fought all the way to the line.’’

The news on stablemate Beaudiene Blinkz, who ran last, is not so good.

“She pulled up a little off,’’ says Green.

“She didn’t look comfortable on the track and and wasn’t a happy horse afterwards.

“We’ll get the vet out and see if we can find the problem.’’

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Mark Dux

Mark Dux’s comments

Saturday night at Albion Park

Race 4: Argyle
10.09pm NZ time

“Hell go into the race as one of the favourites for sure and he’ll get a nice trip whether we lead or trail and he should finish top three again. We’ll come off the gate well and hopefully be good enough to hold Alta Magacian beside us. But even if he crosses us, that’s not a bad scenario, as he’s a decent horse who should get us to the corner.”

Whales Harness