Modernism’s fine style

Dale’s four-year-old mare hungry for more success after maiden win

THE Mark Dale-trained Modernism looks to have a bright future after breaking through at career start number three.

The lightly raced mare put in an excellent first-up effort at Cannon Park last month and followed that up with a powerful victory in the Maiden Plate (1200m) on Tuesday at Cluden Park.

The four-year-old had some work done on her feet in between runs, which helped Modernism score by almost two lengths for her maiden victory.

Experienced hoop Justin Stanley was able to sit just behind the leading pack of horses, stick to the rails and was able to present Modernism at the perfect time and the mare did the rest.

After finishing strongly over 950m at Cannon Park late last month, Modernism appreciated the extra distance on Tuesday and looks like she might find even more ground as she goes through her preparation.

The Cannon Park-based yard of Dale has been in a bit of form of late, picking up two winners from his past four starters.

Also at Cluden Park on Tuesday, the Cairns-trained Aroha Te Mana followed up his recent strong form with a breakthrough triumph.

The Stephen Massinghamtrained gelding had been knocking on the door in his past four efforts and just grinded away in the home straight to take out the Benchmark 60 Handicap (1609m).

“We wanted to be a bit more aggressive, we drew a good gate and wanted to use that to our advantage,” Massingham said.

“He showed plenty of ticker in the straight, giving them more weight.

“He just keeps grinding … and he might be a stayer next year hopefully.”

Meanwhile, the Tablelands stable of Sharlee D’avila makes the long trip to Mackay this afternoon with two clear chances.

Better Than Silver and Soldati will carry D’avila’s chances in the sugar city today, both to be ridden by Marnu Potgieter, who also rode two winners in Townsville on Tuesday.