Given a spell after disappointing in the Group III Ottawa Stakes at Flemington last November, the Deep Field filly Spicy Margs had her 70 ladies ownership group on their feet cheering with an all-the-way triumph in the Take It To The Neds Level Hcp (1100m) at Caulfield.
Spicy Margs at full stretch (image Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)
Ridden by Beau Mertens for Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr), Spicy Margs was untroubled to defeat Sensical (Zoustar) by two and a quarter lengths with Elderberry (Bolt D'Oro) a neck back in third.
It’s been an emotional week for Mertens after attending a service for his father, Peter, at Caulfield on Thursday.
‘’It was a beautiful service,’’ Mertens said.
‘’Speaking on behalf of all my family, they thought it was absolutely fantastic to see the amount of people and their love and affection they have for Dad.’’
Mertens said Spicy Margs is foolproof.
‘’She’s very speedy, first time sitting on her,’’ he said.
‘’She jumped out of the machine and jumped straight to on the bridle and gave me a beautiful ride.
‘’She just travelled so nicely, especially at this tight-turning track; she was able to carry herself around it so well.
‘’At the 400m, I gave her a little squeeze, and to me, she felt like she picked up and sprinted really well.’’
Happy connections
A $340,000 Magic Millions purchase for Mick Price Racing and Breeding from the draft of her breeder Daandine Stud, Spicy Margs is the second foal and first starter for the stakes-placed Helmet mare Crossing The Abbey.
A winner at Caulfield and second in the Group III Blue Diamond Prelude in eight starts, Crossing The Abbey was a $340,000 purchase for Boomer Bloodstock (FBAA) / Daandine Stud from the Newgate Farm draft at the 2019 Inglis Chairman's Sale when carrying a Capitalist filly.
After foaling a Street boss (USA) colt last spring, Crossing The Abbey was covered by Maurice (JPN).
Spicy Margs is the 6th 2yo winner of the season for Deep Field, who has been withdrawn from service at Newgate Farm due to declining fertility.
