After eight placings in 14 starts, it has been clear that Electric Aura did not deserve her maiden tag. She almost broke that tag at her first start this Spring when only just run down in the shadows of the post at Pakenham.But yesterday at Moe, on their big Cup Day, this stylish daughter of Shocking won impressively over 1600m.
Part-owned by stable clients and part-leased off good friend John Thompson at Rich Hill Stud, Electric Aura arrived at Blackiston Racing in mid 2015 after four starts in NZ. Her first ten starts with the stable netted no fewer than six placings, including a very close third in the Listed Tasmanian Oaks behind the well-credentialed Chabaud (who went on to win the Group 3 SA Fillies Classic in Adelaide).
This mare has returned a bigger, stronger and more mature racehorse this Spring, typical of the progeny of Shocking.
“I’ve always said Electric Aura will continue to improve with age, well into her four-year-old season. She has the ability to win some nice middle-distance races this Summer and into the Autumn.” – Nigel Blackiston
Michael Walker rode her perfectly at Moe yesterday, allowing a couple of competitors to roll forward and positioning Electric Aura right behind them in a comfortable rhythm. Angling out at the right time, he was momentarily held up behind a runner and had to be careful not to cut in front of others behind. But the gap opened at the right time and with balance and poise, Michael urged Electric Aura to a fairly comfortable victory.
Nigel is keen to test Electric Aura in some nice mid-distance races sometime in the future, especially against mares. But for now it might just be a case of stepping her up in grade again, and up in distance in an effort to score some more victories for owners and lessees.