Miss Wilson’s connections back on centre stage

John Bary was back in the Group One groove at Te Aroha on Saturday.

He successfully executed a long-term plan when the well-related Miss Wilson reigned supreme in the Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).

An emotional Bary savoured top-flight success with the half-sister by Stratum to his former star galloper Jimmy Choux, a multiple Group One winner and former New Zealand Horse of the Year.

He was bred and raced by Richard and Liz Wood and their familiar colours were donned by Vinnie Colgan aboard Miss Wilson.

“It’s great for Richard and Liz. They have been big supporters of the stable,” Bary said.

“This means a lot to me and my staff, they work long hours and this is as much about them as me.”

Miss Wilson finished fourth in the Breeders’ Stakes 12 months ago after she had won the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) and this time around Bary elected to bypass the Trentham event.

“I learned from last year and she is much better fresh,” he said.

Ridden by Vinnie Colgan, Miss Wilson jumped well to sit behind the tearaway leaders Ruud Not Too and Nicoletta before reeling them in 250m from home.

“This is really special, it’s been a long-time plan and full credit to John and his team,” Richard Wood said.

Miss Wilson won by half a length from Thee Auld Floozie, who also finished runner-up in the 2017 edition of the event behind Charmont.

Nicoletta stuck on grimly to take third money ahead of Heni and Coldplay, who both made ground from back in the field.

The favourite Darscape Princess raced in fourth spot, but was under pressure at the top of the straight and dropped out to beat only two home.