There was an overload of racing right around the country on New Year’s Day and rightly so given our national interest in horse racing as a sport to be enjoyed over the holiday break and there was a winner that did catch my eye, but until now have not had a chance to put my thoughts into a story.
Qatars Choice was a touch of class at Canterbury on New Year's Day - image Bradley Photography
There was no better bred winner than three year-old I Am Invincible filly Qatars Choice, a half-sister to Group III winner Williamsburg from Group I winner Fenway.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, Qatars Choice had two starts back in July and August finishing third on debut at Warwick Farm and then seventh at the same track behind Shohisha, who was second in the Listed Gosford Guineas on New Year’s Eve.
Both of those runs were on soft tracks, so when she went around at Canterbury in the 1100m maiden on a good track it was the first time we’ve seen her on a firm deck and what a difference it made!
Ridden by Jason Collett, she let down with a brilliant turn of foot to kick away and win by more than a length with Hellbent filly Scintilla working home well for second, another filly whose previous runs were in the winter on wet tracks.
A $950,000 Inglis Easter purchase from Arrowfield Stud for Ciaron Maher Bloodstock / David Redvers Bloodstock, Qatars Choice runs in the internationally renowned colours of Qatar Racing for a partnership that also includes Maher stable clients.
Qatars Choice was a $950,000 Inglis Easter purchase.
She is the third winner from High Chaparral (IRE) mare Fenway, who won the Group I ATC Vinery Stud Stakes at 2000m and is a grand-daughter of Group I Queensland Oaks winner Joie Denise with the family producing Group I winning fillies Tuesday Joy and Sunday Joy, the dam of the great champion mare More Joyous. Sadly Fenway died last year and her final foal is an unnamed two year-old colt by Maurice (Jpn).
“Obviously she is very well bred and it’s good to get a win for Qatar and we have some very good clients in the horse,” said Johann Gerard-Dubbord.
“They’ve been patient with her and will be rewarded.
“I think she will be better over further, now that she relaxes so well and she has a beautiful action, Most of her family want a bit further, her brother Williamsburg got further and her mum quite a bit further, so I think in time we might see a very good horse.”
