Art Deco
Race Images Palmerston North
A seven day back-up proved no problems for improving mare Art Deco as she justified her warm support with a comprehensive victory at Awapuni on Saturday.
Trainer Allan Sharrock had produced the four-year old daughter of Road To Rock to win in rating 75 grade just seven days earlier at Trentham. A model of consistency having never finished outside a placing in her career to date, Art Deco found the step to the rating 85 grade no problems as she dashed away from her rivals in the home straight to record her fourth win from just 11 starts.
Sharrock was playing his cards close to his chest after the win although he did advise the mare's immediate future involved a well earned break.
"She's going to the paddock in half an hour as she's off to Wellfield Stud for a break," he said.
"She'll come back in the autumn a better mare.
"I actually said to her owners she had improved off her last run. She looked bouncier and a bit tighter and certainly didn't need a heavy track today.
"She's just a good mare."
Sharrock was alluding to Art Deco's record to date which had been built on the wet winter tracks with Saturday's victory her first on a surface rated better than Heavy.
The New Plymouth mentor was also pleased with the ride of stable apprentice Alfred Chan who made good use of his three kilogram claim on his mount.
"His error rate is starting to drop although he's probably too scared to make any errors but that doesn't hurt them," he explained tongue in cheek.
"I'm really happy with the way he is going."
The victory took the Hong Kong apprentice's winning tally to eight from 50 rides for the season at a very respectable 6.25 strike rate. – NZ Racing Desk
Trainer Allan Sharrock had produced the four-year old daughter of Road To Rock to win in rating 75 grade just seven days earlier at Trentham. A model of consistency having never finished outside a placing in her career to date, Art Deco found the step to the rating 85 grade no problems as she dashed away from her rivals in the home straight to record her fourth win from just 11 starts.
Sharrock was playing his cards close to his chest after the win although he did advise the mare's immediate future involved a well earned break.
"She's going to the paddock in half an hour as she's off to Wellfield Stud for a break," he said.
"She'll come back in the autumn a better mare.
"I actually said to her owners she had improved off her last run. She looked bouncier and a bit tighter and certainly didn't need a heavy track today.
"She's just a good mare."
Sharrock was alluding to Art Deco's record to date which had been built on the wet winter tracks with Saturday's victory her first on a surface rated better than Heavy.
The New Plymouth mentor was also pleased with the ride of stable apprentice Alfred Chan who made good use of his three kilogram claim on his mount.
"His error rate is starting to drop although he's probably too scared to make any errors but that doesn't hurt them," he explained tongue in cheek.
"I'm really happy with the way he is going."
The victory took the Hong Kong apprentice's winning tally to eight from 50 rides for the season at a very respectable 6.25 strike rate. – NZ Racing Desk