Sewreel
Kenton Wright Race Images
A somewhat average day for the powerful Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman stable took a turn for the better when they produced Sewreel to win fresh-up at Te Rapa.
The now four-year-old Savabeel mare had shown plenty of promise in her three-year-old campaign where she won three of her seven starts including a success at Listed level. The mare was having her first start since finishing well back at Hastings in March with co-trainer Forsman admitting he wasn't quite sure what to expect from his charge.
"She had spelled well and was working nicely but it was a very good field she was meeting so I can't say we were that confident with her," he noted.
"We did think she might be found wanting in the latter stages of the race but she was very strong at the finish which was pleasing.
"She's a powerfully built mare so I would think that race will do her the world of good. She could be in for a nice summer."
Forsman wasn't on hand to witness the triumph as he was at Riccarton with stablemates Jon Snow and Maygrove who contested the Gr. 1 Sothys 2000 Guineas and Listed Gold Club Metropolitan Trophy respectively, two of the feature events on the first day of New Zealand Cup Week.
"It wasn't one of our best days as neither horse performed to their best," he said.
"Jon Snow got trapped off the course from his wide gate in the 2000 Guineas which put an end to his chances. Maygrove didn't really let down as well as he can so that was a bit of a head scratcher as well.
"He will stay down south for the week and we will make a decision on a New Zealand Cup start later in the week. The ground got pretty firm on Saturday which may not have helped him so if they get the rain that is predicted it would be an assist for him."
Forsman also confirmed that Turn Me Loose would be heading home after finishing mid-field in Saturday's Gr. 1 Darley Classic at Flemington. The multiple Group One winner would have a brief spell before beginning preparations for a tilt at the riches available during the Sydney Autumn Carnival.– NZ Racing Desk
The now four-year-old Savabeel mare had shown plenty of promise in her three-year-old campaign where she won three of her seven starts including a success at Listed level. The mare was having her first start since finishing well back at Hastings in March with co-trainer Forsman admitting he wasn't quite sure what to expect from his charge.
"She had spelled well and was working nicely but it was a very good field she was meeting so I can't say we were that confident with her," he noted.
"We did think she might be found wanting in the latter stages of the race but she was very strong at the finish which was pleasing.
"She's a powerfully built mare so I would think that race will do her the world of good. She could be in for a nice summer."
Forsman wasn't on hand to witness the triumph as he was at Riccarton with stablemates Jon Snow and Maygrove who contested the Gr. 1 Sothys 2000 Guineas and Listed Gold Club Metropolitan Trophy respectively, two of the feature events on the first day of New Zealand Cup Week.
"It wasn't one of our best days as neither horse performed to their best," he said.
"Jon Snow got trapped off the course from his wide gate in the 2000 Guineas which put an end to his chances. Maygrove didn't really let down as well as he can so that was a bit of a head scratcher as well.
"He will stay down south for the week and we will make a decision on a New Zealand Cup start later in the week. The ground got pretty firm on Saturday which may not have helped him so if they get the rain that is predicted it would be an assist for him."
Forsman also confirmed that Turn Me Loose would be heading home after finishing mid-field in Saturday's Gr. 1 Darley Classic at Flemington. The multiple Group One winner would have a brief spell before beginning preparations for a tilt at the riches available during the Sydney Autumn Carnival.– NZ Racing Desk