Charm Spirit's Aretha Wins G3 Gold Trail

Tara Madgwick - Saturday September 21

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Aretha opened her three-year-old account in dramatic fashion when she took out the Group III Hawke's Bay Breeders' Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) in a grandstand finish.

Aretha on the inside wins the Gold Trail - Trish DunnellThe Greg McCarthy bred and owned Charm Spirit filly was having her first run since closing out a strong juvenile campaign when finishing second behind last season's champion two-year-old Yourdeel in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1200m) at Awapuni in March.

Given two trials to prepare for her season opener, Aretha was well fancied in betting for Saturday's Group Three feature after drawing perfectly in barrier three. Rider Matt Cameron took full advantage of the situation when he bounced his mount straight to the front and controlled the pace throughout.

Sent for home by Cameron at the top of the straight, Aretha looked to have stolen a march on her rivals however with 200m to run she was tackled by the Brendan and Jo Lindsay-owned Bavella who had been trapped wide in midfield most of the way before launching a determined burst.

The pair set down to a tooth and nail struggle with Aretha thrusting her head back in front as the pair hit the post locked together, taking the win by the barest of margins.

Co-trainer Andrew Forsman admitted he thought his filly was going to finish a meritorious second when Bavella loomed up to win in the closing stages.

"She was very brave as I thought she was a beaten horse," Forsman said.

"She just went a little bit keenly fresh-up and I thought Bavella had her for sure, but we'll take it."

Forsman is eyeing a bigger prize in November's Gr.1 Gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) for the filly but will let her get over her first-up exertions before any decisions on her next start are made.

"There's no need to panic as we will just pick the best path through to the 1000 Guineas," he said.

Advertisement

"That will have taken a fair bit out of her as it was a pretty big run so we will just reassess.

"She might go straight to the Sarten (Gr.2, 1400m) but we will just work it out."

The Gr.2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) is the feature event at Te Rapa on October 28.

Rider Matt Cameron was also finding it difficult believe he had got the win after congratulating rival jockey Leith Innes after they crossed the line.

"I thought Leith (on Bavella) had got me so was congratulating him, but I was head down and arse up at the line so it's difficult to tell," he said.

"She's (Aretha) tough and was hanging quite badly the whole race so she had every right to get beaten.

"Once the other horse came up to me, she dug deep so she is a tough little filly."

The victory was Aretha's second from just five starts and also her second at stakes level after she was successful in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes (1200m) last season. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Aussie Mare Asfoora Triumphs in G1 York Nunthorpe
Victorians breeders celebrated overnight with Aussie bred and owned Flying Artie mare Asfoora returning to her dazzling best to win the Group I Nunthorpe Stakes (5f) at York  with a scintillating performance.
New G3 Winner for Charm Spirit
Matamata visitor Lilikoi showed she was on track for further age-group riches this summer with a comprehensive victory in Saturday’s Group III Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Awapuni bringing a pedigree update for her Karaka bound half-brother by Vadamos.
Jenni Lets Loose At The Valley
Smart staying mare Jennivamoose recorded her third victory at The Valley when winning the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) in similar fashion to her previous victory at the venue.
First Black Type Victory For Nellie Leylax (IRE)
Not a bad way to break through for your first Australian victory as the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Nellie Leylax (IRE) cleared out by more than two lengths to claim the Group 3 ATC Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Autumn Glow
Resuming off the back of two solid barrier trials efforts, Chris Waller’s Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) stepped up to open company for the first time, with the $1.8m yearling purchase extending her unbeaten run to five with victory in the Group 3 ATC Toy Show Quality (1100m) at Randwick.
Charm Spirit 3YO on Trial for Derby
Exciting three-year-old Scorpz will be tested over 2000m for the first time at Ellerslie on Sunday in preparation for the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) in February.
$400,000 Karaka Ready to Run Purchase May Be Next Star for Castelvecchio
The maiden three-year-old race on Foxbridge Plate Day at Te Rapa is developing a reputation for unveiling bright talent, and a superb debut by Quantum Legend on Saturday suggested he could be heading for the top of that list.
Charm Spirit Shows His Class
Impressive young sire Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit) confirmed his class among an outstanding group of emerging stallion talent, when striking his second Group winning blow from his first southern hemisphere 3YO crop at the weekend.
Sterling Express Wins G2 Foxbridge Plate
Sterling Express stepped up to Group level for the first time in Saturday’s Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa, and a stunning last-to-first performance showed that he belongs.
Sires With Winners - Friday August 22
Here is the full list of 25 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.