Under My Spell delivered a career-best performance on Saturday in the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes at Caulfield. In foal to Earthlight, this was her final race start and although she did not win, the Group-placing means a great deal to Jo & Brendan Lindsay and the Cambridge Racing team.
A daughter of Pierro purchased by Jo and Brendan Lindsay at the 2018 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Under My Spell started her career elsewhere but struggled with the environment she was in. We are very grateful to have been offered the chance to train her in our Ballarat stable, offering an environment with a little less hustle and bustle and more one-on-one management.
She won on debut in early 2020 giving her connections and all at the stable a big thrill. When entrusted with a valuable horse, it’s always great to start off with a perfect record!
After a short let-up, Under My Spell returned to racing at Caulfield to run second to Oasis Girl. At that moment the plan was set in place to secure black type for her, considering her future career as a broodmare was assured. A couple of attempts in black-type company in Adelaide came unstuck, with her immaturity and dislike for travelling proving her downfall. But Nigel and our team left no stone unturned and continued to help Under My Spell throughout her career.
By spacing her runs, keeping her calm, and not travelling too from home, a further three wins were secured including one at Saturday metropolitan level at Pakenham.
That win followed her being covered by Earthlight in late 2020 and started a terrific run of form. She had matured. She had ‘toughened up’. She was glowing with health and confidence. Following three city placings, she was given one last chance at black type in the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes at Caulfield.
This proved to be her best race performance, running second to the talented Flying Mascot. If it wasn’t for jumping away a little slowly from the barriers, she arguably could have challenged for victory. Nevertheless, the Group-placing is valuable for any broodmare so it was a very pleasing result.
Thank you to Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Henry Plumptre and the racing team at Cambridge Stud. It was a pleasure to train your tough mare.
