Substitute Sam hoping to follow Mum’s lead

A successful partnership will be broken at Wellington on Saturday, but a Group One prize could still remain within the family.

Trudy Thornton has ridden the Windsor Park Plate contender Kisses 11 times for four wins, including a last-start success in the Gr.3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes, and has been aboard the mare in her last six appearances.

However, that association has been temporarily ended by Thornton’s suspension on a careless riding charge and the reins have been passed to her daughter Sam Collett for the Trentham feature.

“Trudy has done a lot of work on the horse and obviously she knows her well,” co-trainer Mark Fraser-Campin said.

“It’s a bit of a nuisance, but I’m sure if Trudy had the choice of a replacement it would be Sam!“

The barrier draw of 12 in a 13-horse field hasn’t done the new combination any favours, although Fraser-Campin isn’t overly concerned.

“The only other time she ran in a Group One race was in the Thorndon and she drew 19, but this time it isn’t a big field and they should be able to get across okay,” he said.

Kisses has pleased Fraser-Campin, who prepares the six-year-old with his brother Chris Campin, since she beat race rival Recite at Hawera.

“She’s always been a bit immature and weak, but this time around she’s absolutely thriving,” he said.

“She pulled up well after the Breeders’ Stakes and her work has been good. She’s continued to improve and fingers crossed she can run up to that form again.”