In recent weeks our stable runners have generally been performing very well, most getting into the photo frame!
22 of our last 25 runners have run top 5
Our place strike-rate is impressive – more than 55% since January 1st. It provides some confidence to Nigel and Assistant Trainer Kasey Loftus that processes are working and horses are happy.
But it is the 11 second-placings (from last 25 starts) that are proving a small frustration for the stable and connections!
Our stable of younger, inexperienced horses are learning their trade and maturing. So we expect some of these regular placings will turn into wins in coming weeks.
Here is a quick summary of some of our recent runners
BIG PAT’S PONTIAC, 2nd Flemington: Has been in terrific form all campaign so this BM70 at Headquarters suited perfectly. Settled well in the run, after a slightly slow beginning. Tracked the eventual winner from the 600m but that horse was a little too strong and look set for bigger things.
INDRABEEL, 2nd Bendigo: After a solid jump out win at Flemington, despite a small setback resulting in a six week break between runs, we took Indrabeel to Bendigo expecting a win. She enjoyed a sweet run in the race and travelled beautifully with blinkers on first time. But as the field quickened in the home straight, this daughter of Savabeel (and sister to Group 1-placed YOU’RE SO GOOD) showed she has much to learn when she raced greenly. Rolling in and then out, and carrying her head high, she comfortably held second when the winner stormed down the outside and caught her by surprise.
ZOOPHORIA, 2nd Sale: This filly is still work in progress. Ear Muffs helped keep her settled at Sale. She is still learning how to quicken off a slow pace, as shown in the final 200m. She is still “all leg”, but every race is good experience and we expect to be breaking through for a win soon for Arrowfield Stud and connections.
NAIVASHA, 4th Sale: Having her first race start, we were really impressed with this daughter of Starcraft. She finished the race off very strongly despite debuting over 1700m, with the leading pack proving hard to run down with the way the race was run. This filly can progress onto mid-distance races and enjoy a terrific career for owner/breeder Trevor Delroy.
PRETTY MAMA, 2nd Ballarat: If you tuned in to watch the final 200m of Pretty Mama’s race, you would be very happy. She finished very strongly down the outside to almost run down the leader. But she was help up at a critical point early in the straight with the rider having to cross heels towards the outside.
ARTHURIAN, 2nd Benalla: Stepping up to the 2000m distance range after a strong win at Ballarat, Arthurian again showed form and strength to close strongly for a half-length second. He has now matured into a lovely 1600-2400m type, and is sure to provide owner/breeder Ross Wilkinson some more pleasurable wins in coming weeks.
CHRISTIE, 2nd Kyneton: Jumping as a warm favourite, it was little disappointing for connections not to secure the win at Kyneton. But like most of the stable’s runners, Christie again proved she is maturing and hitting the line strongly. Nigel, Managing Owner Ian Lewis and connections in Australia and New Zealand are learning about this daughter of Mastercraftsman all the time. It won’t be long before she is in the winners circle.
REALITY SHOW, 5th Ballarat: This Arrowfield-owned daughter of High Chaparral is a true 2000m+ type, much like her half-sister LET’S MAKE ADEAL. Just as she was lengthening stride and steaming home, Beau Mertens found him quickly behind runners and had to ease up, perhaps costing her a place. But there is no doubt we are aiming for the win when stepped up to 1800m-2000m next start.
DANBANA, 5th Ballarat: This colt is a talented horse, but still work in progress. He again travelled strongly in the run, wasting energy and unable to finish as strongly as we expected. But Nigel and track riders continue to educate him on the training track and with a little patience and persistence, this son of super stallion Dansili is sure to bounce back and provide the co-ownership group a lot of fun.