More known as winter performer when the tracks are at their deepest, the
Alamosa mare had shown she could perform on a better surface when successful at
Ellerslie two starts ago. The five-year-old followed that up with a highly creditable performance for sixth in the Dunstan Feeds Stayers Championship Final on New Year's Day before tackling today's feature event at Ellerslie.
Central Districts rider Rosie Myers was having her first ride on the mare and produced a peach of an effort to claim victory. Settled nicely in midfield by Myers, August Edition relaxed nicely before improving into a challenging position behind the leaders at the 600m mark.
The mare followed Top Prospect through a gap on the inside shortly after straightening to issue her challenge before outstaying her rival in the run to the post. Top Prospect held second in a driving finish with race favourite Charles Road third after racing a touch erratically in the home straight.
"She kind of surprised us three runs back and ran the distance and liked the harder track which was something we didn't think she would do," said Emma Clotworthy after the race.
"We thought she might like the firmer track again and her work with stablemate Diesel was very good, so she deserved a shot at this.
"It tends to be one day at a time with her so it's great for the owners as it has taken a lot of hard work to get her here. I'm just rapt that today she could pull it off."
The victory continues a winning role for the Byerley Park conditioners who produced Diesel to win the $100,000 Dunstan Feeds Stayers Championship Final (2200m) on 1 January.
Mana Park will offer a half-brother to August Edition, by boom sire Tavistock, as Lot 385 during the Book 1 catalogue at the upcoming NZB National Yearling Sale series that commences at Karaka on 28 January. – NZ Racing Desk
