Warm favourite Sinarahma provided a further example of her undoubted class when she cruised to victory in one of the feature events at Te Rapa on Saturday, the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m).
The Allan Sharrock-trained mare thrived on the Soft7 track conditions, which had been downgraded from earlier in the day due to several heavy showers, as rider Craig Grylls gave her an armchair trip throughout.
Settled in behind a steady pace set up by Express Princess and Silverina, the eight-year-old daughter of Darci Brahma was just jogging as Grylls eased her to the outside early in the run home, before asking for a serious effort at the 250m.
Sinarahma shot clear at that point and glided to the winning post a comfortable two and a half lengths clear of Le Sablier, who chased gamely, and Silverina who stuck on well to notch a valuable black type placing.
A mud splattered Grylls was full of compliments for his charge after the race.
“That was a top effort as she jumped really good and found the trail,” he said.
“It worked out well as I was able to peel out wider and get to the better ground and once she was out there she just did the rest as she is a top mare.
“I was pretty confident as I thought she should have won her last race (second behind Prise De Fer at the venue) and the way I knew she could let down meant I was pretty confident.”
Part owner and former New Zealand rugby league star, Tony Kemp was on hand to take plaudits for the win by the bonny mare who is in the final stages of her racing career after being served by Westbury Stud resident stallion Tarzino.
“That feels just fantastic,” Kemp said.
“After her last race we thought she had a decent chance today and it is great to see her go like that.
“Gryllsy rode her really well and she just had too much class. I’ve been involved in the racing industry since my early twenties and to be involved with Allan with horses like this is amazing.
“As you know she has been served by Tarzino and is in foal and we just hope there might be one more win in store for her.”
Kemp was alluding to the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m) to be run at Pukekohe on Boxing Day, a race that the mare’s ownership group would love to win to cap a career that has seen her win nine of her 36 starts, but none at the highest level.
Successful now in a Group Two contest after earlier winning twice at both Listed and Group Three level, Sinarahma has amassed over $446,500 in stakes earnings.
The victory also enhanced the appeal of Lot 510 at next month’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, an Almanzor half-brother to Sinarahma being offered through the Rich Hill draft during the Book 1 session that kicks off on January 29. – NZ Racing Desk
