The Allan Sharrock training polish was to the fore again at Trentham on Saturday when classy mare Islington Lass stepped up to a middle distance for the first time in her 16-start career to score a clear-cut victory in the Gr.3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup (2300m).
The seven-year-old had hinted at her last start in the Gr.3 Great Northern Challenge Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie that she was looking for more ground when finishing off strongly over the final stages of the contest.
With Michael McNab aboard, the daughter of Proisir settled beautifully in midfield as McNab saved every inch of ground by hugging the rail as tearaway pacemaker Sagunto, seeking his third consecutive victory in the race, hared away in front.
Sagunto began to weaken approaching the home bend as McNab eased into the clear wider out after tracking up a trio of runners who had charged into contention rounding the turn.
Within the twinkling of an eye Islington Lass shot to the front at the 250m with McNab riding hands and heels in the final 100m as she held out the late charge of Wolfgang, who came from near last at the 600m to grab second from Whangaehu, who fought well down against the rail.
Sharrock admitted he felt a good deal of satisfaction from the win and praised McNab for a classy ride aboard the mare.
“I got a bit of a thrill out of that one going from a mile (1600m) to 2300m,” Sharrock said.
“She is a very good mare and an outstanding ride.
“She is the quickest with a sprint in that field and he was conservative in the run, saved all the ground and got to the right place in the straight.
“I don’t know where to next, but I know she won’t get two miles so we will just have to see.”
McNab knew he was on a good chance when Sharrock legged him aboard in the mounting yard with a few words of advice.
“It worked out well with a good tempo and when I needed to improve I got the back of The Underbelly, was able to get to the outside and she duly obliged,” he said.
“He (Sharrock) is a master and I had good confidence in the horse as she has never done me wrong and when I got on he (Sharrock) said just smile for the photo.”
Islington Lass is a daughter of Montjeu mare Miss Relentless, a half-sister to Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Boundless and comes from an extended family that includes Gr.1 Brisbane Cup (3200m) winner Limitless and five-time Group One winner Veyron.
She has now won eight of her 16 starts, including twice at stakes level and has earned a touch under $250,000 in prizemoney.
The victory provided Sharrock with a winning double after promising filly Komocean took out the second race on the card. He quickly turned his tally into a treble as Lochan Ora bolted home in the last race of the day. - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
