Silver Eclipse completed a satisfying double for Pencarrow Stud with her flying victory in Saturday’s Listed Pegasus Stakes at Riccarton.
The dashing mare eclipsed her rivals in the Yesberg Insurance Services-sponsored sprint for owner Sir Peter Vela, whose colours were carried to victory 20 minutes earlier at Te Rapa by stablemate Duquesa, a daughter of the champion mare Ethereal.
“It’s fabulous – Duquesa set the tone for the day so I hope it continues,” said Julia Ritchie, who prepares the trio with partner Steven Ramsay.
Silver Eclipse sat in behind a hectic speed set up by Gunnadoo and Bowling Boy before she took control in the run home and cruised away by two lengths.She cut out the 1000 metres in a blistering 56.86, a time that even took her vastly experienced pilot Chris Johnson by surprise.
“They didn’t seem to be going that quick” he said. “She jumped well and got a nice run. She got to the front a long way out and won quite easily. She waited for them a bit as she’s still green.”Silver Eclipse took on stakes company off the back of a Rating 75 success in early October when resuming for the season at Taupo and a Group One target awaits the Darci Brahma mare next year.
“She’s still learning her trade and long-term we’ll look at the Telegraph,” Ritchie said. “She’s a little bit suspect right-handed.”King Montrose collected his third consecutive placing in the Pegasus with a bold run for second after a tardy start while Bowling Boy did well to hang on to third.
Defending Coupland’s Bakeries Mile champion Scapolo showed he was on target for Wednesday’s Group Two feature with his late surge from last to finish fourth.
