Breslin delivers on his promise

Mike Breslin’s long-term plan for Heni has been executed to perfection by his Riccarton specialist.

The Awapuni trainer produced the mare to place in the Gr.3 Valachi Downs Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) 12 months ago and he vowed then he would return to the South Island’s premier track to claim the feature.

Breslin was true to his word to on Wednesday when Heni gave rider Rosie Myers an easy time on their way to a dominant victory.

“She’s always done well on her trips to Riccarton and after she ran third last year I told the owner we would come back next year and win,” he said.

Bred and raced by Willie Duncan, Heni was making the second appearance of her current preparation and a tidy resuming run last month served to boost Breslin’s confidence in the seven-year-old.

“She came down and ran second at Ashburton and she always goes well second-up,” he said.

Heni was quickly into stride for Myers at Riccarton to take a handy sit and after hitting the front 300m from home they forged clear to win with authority.

“She’s a grouse little horse, every time she goes out and gives her all so it’s a well-deserved win,” said Myers, who had won two previous races with the daughter of Towkay.

“Her stats at Riccarton are enormous, it’s a great track so why wouldn’t you love it here.”

Local hope Montoya Star ran on well to take second money with Laaffaire coming from the back to cut Cantilena out of third.