Ingrain treads softly to victory

A RETURN to a soft track yesterday helped Kiwi mare Igraine score a consolation win in the $175,000 Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m).

Trainer Robert Priscott brought Igraine to Queensland with the Brisbane Cup at Eagle Farm three weeks ago as her main aim.

But she was never in the hunt after being blocked for runs in the straight to finish 12th.

Priscott said he expected a much better run in the Caloundra Cup, especially when rain fell all week.

He was proved right when Igraine ($4.20) was far too good scoring by 2¼ lengths to Sopressa ($11) with 1¼ lengths to Travistee (6.50) in third.

“She had no luck at her start in the Brisbane Cup after she had run two good races in the lead up,” Priscott said.

“But she likes the track to have some give and she got that today.

“We can head down to Grafton now for their Cup (July 11) which should suit her as well. Then she is staying in Australia to go to stud.”

Priscott is best known in Australia for his Group One mare Hill of Grace, who raced well in the Spring carnivals about 20 years ago.

“I have been to Queensland

“She likes the track to have some give and she got that”

occasionally with some horses and last time I was here a few years back I had a two-yearold filly, Diamond Deck, who ran some good placings,” Priscott said.

Winning jockey Robbie Fradd battled a cold all day before pulling out a superb ride to win on Igraine.

“The horse is tough and so is the jockey. She was well turned out and the hard tracks had been the undoing of her,” Fradd said.

“One thing you know the Kiwis can train a stayer.”

Matt McGillivray tried hard to steal the race by leading all of the way on Sopressa.

“It was only in the final 150 metres the winner proved too strong,” McGillivray said.

Trainer Paul Jenkins was thrilled with the third of Travistee, who was backing up from last week’s Tattersall’s Cup.

“He is only just out of restricted class,” Jenkins said.