Trainer’s doubts dispelled as tiny mare wins again
WELLINGTON: Marilyn Paewai’s prerace concerns with Rosewood were dispelled in style by her diminutive mare at Awapuni.
The Taranaki horsewoman had reservations about the 4yr-old’s winning chances in the open 1400 but she was thrilled to be proved wrong.
‘‘I wasn’t confident. There were some very good horses in it and it was only 1400m,’’ Paewai said.
However, Rosewood wasn’t daunted on either account and she produced another sterling performance to continue her outstanding run of form.
‘‘She’s only small, but she’s pretty smart. She’s the best one I’ve had,’’ Paewai said.
Rosewood has now won three of her four starts this preparation, her only miss a respectable effort for sixth in listed company over 1590m at Whanganui.
Paewai said she would decide in the next few days where the daughter of Red wood would make her next appearance.
‘‘I’ll wait and see how she comes through this race first. There’s the Whyte Handicap or the Opunake Cup, but she won’t run in both.’’
In favour of the listed Opunake Cup is the venue: it will be run at New Plymouth, where the mare has already won four races.
Rosewood was ridden at Awapuni by Lisa Allpress and they settled towards the back of the field before angling wide on the turn and finishing strongly down the outside to secure the thick end of the stake.
The topweight Taurus, who is a confirmed Opunake Cup contender, was a gallant second ahead of Ringo and Platinum Command.
Platinum Command is at $18.00 and Taurus is at $21 for next month’s group 3 Winter Cup at Riccarton.
Neither Rosewood nor Ringo are entered in the event. — NZ Racing Desk