The $150,000 Bendigo Guineas (1400m) on Saturday was won by flashy chestnut Deep Field gelding Riddle Me That in a thrilling four way finish.
Prepared by Matt Laurie, Riddle Me That has been working consistently through his grades and came into this Black Type assignment fit and ready to fire at his third run back from a spell.
Last start second at Fleming to expensive Snitzel colt Spend, he was able to turn the tables on that horse, edging out Score and Zousonic with Spend a close up fourth.
“He’s been doing everything right this time in, he’s been relaxing and was able to get balanced and work through his gears,” said winning rider Daniel Stackhouse.
“He toughed it out and he keeps improving every time he steps out.”
Retained to race by his breeder, Riddle Me That has the overall record of four wins and four placings from 10 starts with prizemoney in excess of $180,000.
“I think this horse can continue to improve, he has done that every preparation,” said Matt Laurie.
“Honestly, I would have to look through the calendar and talk to the owners about what we do next. Obviously everything has been thrown into disarray but certainly this was a target and it is good to get it done.”
Riddle Me That is the first stakes-winner among nine winners from good producing Group III winner Justine Coup, a grand-daughter pf Group I winner Royal Regatta by Entrepreneur (GB).
Riddle Me That is the fourth stakes-winner for Newgate Farm’s Deep Field, who is the leading sire of Australian three year-old winners this season as well as being the leading second crop sire by winners.
Deep Field has been super popular with breeders and covered 256 mares last spring at a fee of $44,000.
