A tried and true combination turned back the clock on Saturday when Miss Wilson emulated an illustrious older sibling with a comprehensive victory at Trentham.
Rider Jonathan Riddell sported the distinctive colours of owner/breeder Richard Wood on the mare who was having her first start following a lengthy stint in Australia for her three-year-old season. With trainer John Bary putting the finishing touches on the mare it ignited memories of the success the trio enjoyed with multiple Group One winner Jimmy Choux who won three times at Trentham including the Gr. 3 Wellington Stakes on the same day six years earlier.
While the half sister by Stratum to Jimmy Choux has a way to go to match the deeds of the 2010/11 New Zealand Horse of the Year, Saturday’s victory certainly brought plenty of joy to her owner.“It’s a good result as she’s a pretty good filly,” said Wood after the race.
“The pressure’s off now and she will improve from that. She’s holding her condition and the weight on her which she couldn’t do in Australia.“She’s just had that time to grow and mature as she does have a big frame. She was a bit like a wire coat-hanger but now she’s filled it all out.”
Riddell was also full of praise for the effort as he brought the mare back to the winner’s enclosure.“She showed a hell of a lot of gate speed and she’s won as she liked really,” he reported.
“She’s out of a good family as we all know and it’s nice to win one for Richard again. She’s a quality animal and it’s good to have her back home.”Wood is no stranger to taking on the best in Australia and has ambitious plans for the mare should she continue on an upward path.
“I’ve got some good mates in Australia who want me to get there for the Stradbroke in Brisbane,” he advised.“If I go, she will be with me!”
Buyers will have the chance to secure a member of the successful family at Karaka later in the month when Lot 98, a Fastnet Rock colt from the Rich Hill Stud draft, goes through the auction ring on the first day of the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale which starts on Monday 30 January.
