Darryl Bradley knew he was onto something special the first time he rode Madam Victoria.
They combined to win the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes at Riccarton in May and the following month Bradley guided her to successive black type victories in the NZB Insurance Stakes and the Warstep Stakes.
“She hadn’t had a trial and even though it was a small field she kicked well in the straight,” he said. “It was a good exercise for her.
“Her racing manners are excellent and every time I’ve ridden her I’ve had to ask her to sprint twice in the straight and not many horses can do that. She’s very good.”The Feilding-based jockey will be reunited with Madam Victoria at Riccarton on Saturday when they attempt to keep their unbeaten record together intact in the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile Trial.
Bradley has a strong book of rides at Christchurch where he is also looking forward to guiding Platinum Witness’ fortunes in the Listed Armadillo Stakes.While she is a seven-start maiden, her record isn’t a fair reflection of the Lisa Latta-trained filly’s ability.
“She drew the outside in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas and I was caught three deep and had to ride her for luck,” Bradley said.“She made up a lot of ground and in the Wanganui Guineas I got pushed off the track at the half mile and she nearly slipped over. This is the first time she’s had a decent draw.”
Platinum Witness is Group One nominated for both the NZB 1000 and the Sothys NZ 2000 Guineas.
